CVE-2000-0588 in Sawmill
Summary
by MITRE
SawMill 5.0.21 CGI program allows remote attackers to read the first line of arbitrary files by listing the file in the rfcf parameter, whose contents SawMill attempts to parse as configuration commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0588 represents a classic file inclusion flaw that existed within the SawMill web application version 5.0.21. This security weakness stems from improper input validation within the CGI program component of the software, specifically in how it handles the rfcf parameter. The vulnerability operates by leveraging the application's attempt to parse user-supplied file paths as configuration commands, creating an opportunity for remote attackers to extract sensitive information from arbitrary files on the system. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and improper input sanitization, which are commonly exploited in web application attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the rfcf parameter in the CGI script to specify any file path on the target system. When the application attempts to process this parameter, it reads the first line of the specified file and treats it as if it were a configuration command, effectively enabling the extraction of information from system files without proper authorization. This flaw demonstrates a critical lack of proper access controls and input validation mechanisms, as the application fails to verify that the requested file path is legitimate and within acceptable boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive system data including configuration files, password hashes, or other confidential information stored in files accessible to the web server process. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gather intelligence about the target system, potentially identifying other vulnerabilities or gaining insights into system architecture and security configurations. This type of information disclosure vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the attack technique matrix under the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically related to credential access and reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability also represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, as the web application should not be permitted to read arbitrary files from the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the application's CGI components. The most effective approach involves filtering and validating all user-supplied input parameters, particularly those that are used to construct file paths or execute system commands. Organizations should implement strict access controls that prevent the web server from accessing files outside of designated directories and establish proper authentication mechanisms to limit access to sensitive functionality. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate similar flaws in legacy applications. The issue also underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices as outlined in industry standards such as the CWE database, which catalogs this type of vulnerability as a direct result of inadequate input validation and improper error handling in web applications.