CVE-2000-0187 in EZShopper
Summary
by MITRE
EZShopper 3.0 loadpage.cgi CGI script allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) attack or execute commands via shell metacharacters.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0187 affects EZShopper 3.0's loadpage.cgi CGI script, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to exploit directory traversal and command execution capabilities. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the web application's file handling mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the script's behavior through specially crafted requests.
The technical flaw manifests through improper sanitization of user-supplied input parameters that are directly used in file system operations. When the loadpage.cgi script processes requests, it fails to properly validate or filter directory traversal sequences such as ".." or shell metacharacters like semicolons, ampersands, or backticks. This vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The flaw allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and access files outside the intended directory structure, potentially leading to unauthorized data exposure or system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with both information disclosure and remote command execution capabilities. An attacker can leverage the directory traversal mechanism to read sensitive system files such as password files, configuration data, or application source code. The command execution component, enabled through shell metacharacters, allows adversaries to run arbitrary commands on the affected server with the privileges of the web application user. This combination creates a pathway for full system compromise, data theft, or further network reconnaissance activities.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1083 for file and directory discovery. The attack surface is particularly dangerous as it requires minimal reconnaissance to exploit, making it attractive to automated attack tools. The vulnerability's exploitation typically involves crafting HTTP requests that include directory traversal sequences or command injection payloads, which are then processed by the vulnerable CGI script without proper input validation.
Effective mitigation strategies must address both the immediate vulnerability and underlying architectural issues. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied data, particularly parameters used in file system operations. The solution involves implementing strict path validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences or shell metacharacters. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by running web applications with minimal required permissions and by implementing proper access controls to limit file system access. The use of secure coding practices, including parameterized queries and input validation libraries, can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future implementations. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues across the entire application portfolio.