CVE-2000-0590 in Poll It
Summary
by MITRE
Poll It 2.0 CGI script allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files by specifying the file name in the data_dir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0590 affects the Poll It 2.0 CGI script, representing a classic path traversal or directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This issue stems from insufficient input validation within the data_dir parameter processing mechanism, allowing malicious users to manipulate file access requests through crafted input sequences. The vulnerability exists in the web application's handling of user-supplied data without proper sanitization or authorization checks, creating an exploitable condition that can lead to unauthorized information disclosure.
The technical flaw manifests when the Poll It 2.0 CGI script fails to validate or sanitize the data_dir parameter before using it in file system operations. Attackers can exploit this by injecting directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ into the parameter value, effectively bypassing normal file access controls and gaining access to files outside the intended directory structure. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories, as it enables unauthorized access to stored data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows remote attackers to potentially access sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information stored on the web server. Depending on the system configuration and file permissions, attackers might gain access to database files, system configuration files, or other sensitive data that should remain protected. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges or authentication to exploit, making it a high-severity issue that can be leveraged by anyone with access to the affected web application. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or further escalation attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the Poll It 2.0 CGI script. The most effective approach involves validating all user-supplied input parameters against a strict whitelist of acceptable values or implementing proper path normalization and validation before any file system operations occur. Additionally, the web application should be configured to run with minimal required privileges and should not have access to sensitive system files or directories. System administrators should also consider implementing proper access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Pre-Attack Initial Access, as proper input validation prevents exploitation of such vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider upgrading to patched versions of the Poll It software or migrating to more secure alternatives to eliminate this attack vector entirely.