CVE-2000-0469 in WebBanner
Summary
by MITRE
Selena Sol WebBanner 4.0 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0469 represents a classic directory traversal flaw in the Selena Sol WebBanner 4.0 web application. This security weakness enables remote attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure through manipulation of directory path references. The vulnerability specifically exploits the lack of proper input validation when processing file paths, allowing malicious users to navigate beyond the web root directory and access sensitive system files. The flaw stems from the application's failure to sanitize user-supplied input that is used in file operations, creating an opportunity for attackers to construct malicious paths using directory traversal sequences.
This vulnerability operates at the core of web application security principles and directly relates to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The attack vector involves sending specially crafted requests containing double dot sequences that traverse up the directory hierarchy, potentially accessing system configuration files, password files, or other sensitive data. The impact is particularly severe because it allows for arbitrary file reading without authentication, meaning that any remote user can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to system resources that should remain protected.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple information disclosure. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract critical system information including database credentials, application configuration files, and potentially sensitive user data stored in accessible locations. The vulnerability affects web applications that dynamically construct file paths based on user input without proper validation or sanitization, making it a common issue in legacy web applications. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a low-effort, high-impact method for gathering intelligence and potentially escalating privileges within the affected system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0469 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations must ensure that all user-supplied input used in file operations undergoes rigorous validation to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. The recommended approach includes implementing strict path validation that rejects any input containing sequences such as .. or \\\\, and using secure coding practices that prevent dynamic path construction from user input. Additionally, deploying web application firewalls and implementing proper access controls can provide additional layers of protection. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security audits and code reviews to identify and remediate similar flaws in web applications, aligning with industry best practices for secure software development and the principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security risks.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web applications and represents a foundational security issue that has been addressed through improved development practices over the past two decades. The flaw exemplifies how seemingly simple coding errors can create significant security risks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security training and adherence to secure coding standards. Organizations should prioritize updating legacy applications that may contain similar vulnerabilities and implement robust security monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of defense in depth strategies, where multiple security controls work together to protect against various attack vectors including directory traversal attacks that remain relevant in modern web application security.