CVE-2000-0731 in Worm Webserver
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Worm HTTP server allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2019
The CVE-2000-0731 vulnerability represents a classic directory traversal flaw in the Worm HTTP server implementation that fundamentally compromises file system access controls. This vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation within the web server's file handling mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file path requests through crafted directory traversal sequences. The flaw specifically manifests when the server processes requests containing double dot sequences that should be rejected or properly sanitized, enabling attackers to navigate beyond the intended document root directory and access arbitrary files on the underlying file system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the standard directory traversal attack pattern where an attacker crafts a URL containing sequences such as "../" or "..\.." to move up directory levels in the file system hierarchy. When the Worm HTTP server processes these requests without proper validation, it fails to normalize or sanitize the file paths before attempting to access the requested resources. This allows adversaries to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive files including configuration data, user credentials, system files, or application source code that should remain protected within the server's designated document root.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant security risk as it enables unauthorized information disclosure and potential system compromise. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access critical system files, application configuration details, database connection strings, and other sensitive data that may lead to further exploitation opportunities. The impact extends beyond simple file access, as the vulnerability may enable attackers to discover additional system information, identify other potential vulnerabilities, or even facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as code execution if the server is configured to execute scripts or if other vulnerabilities exist. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of the web server by allowing bypass of directory restrictions that are typically enforced by the operating system and web server configuration.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the Worm HTTP server or implementing proper input validation and sanitization at the application level. Security controls should include configuring the web server to reject or normalize directory traversal sequences in file paths, implementing proper access controls, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block such malicious requests. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and follows ATT&CK technique T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, where adversaries enumerate file systems to identify sensitive information. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of principle of least privilege and proper input validation as outlined in various security frameworks including NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 controls. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems, as directory traversal flaws remain prevalent in web applications and network services due to insufficient input validation practices.