CVE-2000-0664 in SimpleServer:WWW
Summary
by MITRE
AnalogX SimpleServer:WWW 1.06 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a modified .. (dot dot) attack that uses the %2E URL encoding for the dots.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0664 affects AnalogX SimpleServer:WWW version 1.06 and earlier, representing a classic directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the web server's file handling mechanisms, specifically failing to properly sanitize URL-encoded sequences that represent directory navigation. The flaw exploits the fundamental weakness in how the server processes path traversal sequences, allowing attackers to bypass normal file access controls through crafted requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the manipulation of URL encoding to circumvent directory traversal protections. Attackers utilize the %2E URL encoding scheme to represent dot characters in their malicious requests, effectively bypassing the server's validation mechanisms that would normally reject or filter out standard dot-dot sequences. This technique demonstrates a sophisticated approach to exploitation that leverages the server's interpretation of encoded characters rather than direct manipulation of path components. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically within the web server's request processing pipeline where file paths are resolved and accessed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides unauthorized access to potentially sensitive files stored on the server, including configuration files, system logs, and user data. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw without requiring authentication or local access, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web servers. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to read any file that the web server process has permission to access, potentially exposing system internals, user credentials, or proprietary information. This represents a critical security weakness that violates the principle of least privilege and exposes the underlying system to unauthorized data access.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal attacks as a common weakness in software security. The flaw also corresponds to techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 reconnaissance tactic, where adversaries gather information about the target system through file enumeration and access. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the need for robust sanitization of user-supplied data before processing. Organizations should implement comprehensive access controls, deploy web application firewalls, and ensure that all web server software is regularly updated to address known vulnerabilities. Additionally, the use of secure coding practices, including proper path validation and the implementation of allow-lists for file access, can effectively mitigate this class of vulnerability.
The exploitation of this vulnerability highlights the critical need for organizations to maintain current security patches and implement defense-in-depth strategies. The flaw represents a fundamental security oversight in the server's file access control mechanisms and underscores the importance of regular security assessments. Proper implementation of input validation, combined with regular software updates and security monitoring, would have prevented this vulnerability from being exploitable in production environments. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in their web server configurations and applications.