CVE-2000-0769 in Website Pro
Summary
by MITRE
O Reilly WebSite Pro 2.3.7 installs the uploader.exe program with execute permissions for all users, which allows remote attackers to create and execute arbitrary files by directly calling uploader.exe.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0769 represents a critical security flaw in O Reilly WebSite Pro version 2.3.7 that stems from improper permission configuration and executable file handling. This issue specifically affects the uploader.exe component that is installed as part of the web publishing software suite, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized system access and execute malicious code remotely.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insecure default permissions assigned to the uploader.exe program during installation. When the software is deployed, the executable file is configured with world-readable and world-executable permissions, meaning that any user account on the system can directly invoke this program without authentication or authorization. This configuration violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper access control, creating an environment where unauthorized parties can leverage the uploader.exe utility for malicious purposes.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to systems running affected versions of WebSite Pro, as it enables remote code execution capabilities without requiring any authentication credentials. Attackers can directly call the uploader.exe program and use it to create and execute arbitrary files on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple file creation, as the ability to execute arbitrary code provides attackers with opportunities to install backdoors, escalate privileges, or establish persistent access to the compromised environment. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system level, bypassing typical user authentication mechanisms that would normally prevent unauthorized file execution.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-275 permissions issues and represent a classic example of insecure file permissions that enable unauthorized execution. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of T1546.001 for registry run keys and T1078 for valid accounts, as attackers can leverage the installed executable to maintain persistence and elevate privileges. Organizations with affected systems should immediately address this issue by restricting permissions on the uploader.exe file, implementing proper access controls, and conducting comprehensive security audits to identify any potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include removing or restricting execute permissions for all users while ensuring that legitimate administrative functions remain operational through proper authentication mechanisms.