CVE-2000-0153 in Frontpage
Summary
by MITRE
FrontPage Personal Web Server (PWS) allows remote attackers to read files via a .... (dot dot) attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0153 affects the FrontPage Personal Web Server version 2000 and earlier, representing a classic directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access files outside the intended web root directory. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the web server's file handling mechanisms, allowing malicious users to manipulate file path requests through the use of directory traversal sequences such as double dots followed by forward slashes. The vulnerability specifically impacts the server's ability to properly sanitize user-supplied input that is used to construct file paths, creating a pathway for unauthorized file access that bypasses normal security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability operates through the exploitation of path traversal patterns where attackers can construct malicious URLs containing sequences like "../" or "..\" that instruct the web server to navigate up directory levels in the file system. When the FrontPage Personal Web Server processes these requests, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input paths, allowing the server to resolve the requested files regardless of their location on the system. This flaw enables attackers to access sensitive files including configuration data, source code, user credentials, and other confidential information that should remain protected within the server's restricted directories. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal attacks as a common weakness in web applications and servers that fail to properly validate file access requests.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0153 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can facilitate more severe security breaches including privilege escalation and system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access critical system files, potentially leading to full system compromise through the discovery of administrative credentials, database connection strings, or other sensitive configuration data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where FrontPage Personal Web Server is used for hosting sensitive content or where the server runs with elevated privileges, as it can provide attackers with unauthorized access to the underlying file system. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and can also support lateral movement activities through the discovery of additional system resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation measures and server configuration updates to prevent directory traversal attacks. Organizations should ensure that all FrontPage Personal Web Server installations are updated to versions that properly sanitize file path requests and implement proper access controls. Network-level protections including firewall rules and web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious traversal attempts, while system administrators should conduct comprehensive file access audits to identify and remediate any potential exposure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web server implementations and highlights the need for regular security assessments and patch management processes to address known weaknesses in legacy web server software.