CVE-2000-0773 in Java HTTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Bajie HTTP web server 0.30a allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a URL that contains a "....", a variant of the dot dot directory traversal attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2025
The CVE-2000-0773 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Bajie HTTP web server version 0.30a, which falls under the broader category of path traversal attacks that have plagued web applications since the early days of the internet. This vulnerability specifically exploits how the web server processes URL paths containing the ". ." sequence, which is a variant of the classic directory traversal technique that has been documented in numerous security advisories and standards. The flaw allows remote attackers to bypass normal file access controls and retrieve arbitrary files from the server's file system, potentially exposing sensitive information such as configuration files, database contents, or even system-level files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the Bajie HTTP web server's path resolution mechanism. When processing a URL containing the ". ." sequence, the server fails to properly sanitize or canonicalize the file path before attempting to access the requested resource. This allows an attacker to manipulate the path traversal sequence to navigate outside the intended web root directory and access files that should remain protected. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests without requiring any special privileges or authentication. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it demonstrates how simple path manipulation can lead to complete system compromise, making it a prime example of CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal').
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0773 extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive system files that could contain passwords, database credentials, application source code, or other confidential information. This vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and reconnaissance activities where adversaries attempt to gather information about the target system. The attack vector is straightforward and reliable, making it a favored technique among threat actors who seek to exploit web server vulnerabilities for unauthorized access to system resources. Organizations running affected versions of the Bajie HTTP web server were at significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations, especially in environments where web applications handled sensitive or regulated data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of the Bajie HTTP web server to a version that properly handles path traversal sequences, combined with input validation measures that prevent malformed URLs from being processed. Security practitioners should implement proper directory traversal prevention techniques such as canonicalizing file paths, implementing strict input validation, and ensuring that all file access operations occur within a restricted directory. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper access controls, as described in various security standards and frameworks. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their web applications and servers to identify similar vulnerabilities, and implement web application firewalls or other protective measures to detect and block malicious path traversal attempts. This vulnerability serves as a historical example of why proper input validation and secure coding practices remain fundamental to web application security, and why organizations must maintain up-to-date security patches for all software components.