CVE-2000-0705 in ntop
Summary
by MITRE
ntop running in web mode allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0705 affects ntop when operating in web mode, presenting a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the system through directory traversal techniques. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the web interface component of ntop, which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied paths before processing file requests. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes file paths that contain directory traversal sequences such as ".." or similar constructs that allow attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability operates through a classic path traversal attack vector where malicious actors can manipulate the web interface to request files outside of the designated web root directory. When ntop processes these malformed requests, it does not adequately validate or sanitize the input paths, allowing the application to resolve and serve files from arbitrary locations on the filesystem. This weakness specifically aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability exists in the web server component of ntop and represents a fundamental flaw in input sanitization and access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with unrestricted access to the underlying filesystem of systems running ntop in web mode. Successful exploitation could result in the disclosure of sensitive configuration files, system credentials, user data, and potentially system binaries that could be used for further exploitation. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to critical system information, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The remote nature of this attack means that adversaries do not require local system access or authentication credentials to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0705 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization within the ntop web interface. System administrators should ensure that all user-supplied input is thoroughly validated and that directory traversal sequences are explicitly blocked or sanitized before processing. The recommended approach involves implementing strict path validation that prevents any reference to parent directories or absolute paths in file requests. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling the web interface when it is not required, or implementing network segmentation to limit access to the affected service. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving path traversal and privilege escalation, as it allows adversaries to access files that should normally be restricted. The vulnerability also relates to T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, as attackers might use this access to execute commands through compromised system files. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure that the ntop software operates with proper input validation mechanisms, and access controls should be configured to minimize the attack surface of the web interface component.