CVE-2000-0782 in Netauth
Summary
by MITRE
netauth.cgi program in Netwin Netauth 4.2e and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) attack.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0782 represents a classic path traversal flaw in the netauth.cgi program component of Netwin Netauth version 4.2e and earlier. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the web application's file handling mechanisms, specifically in how it processes user-supplied path information. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate file paths, allowing malicious actors to manipulate input parameters to access files outside the intended directory structure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the .. (dot dot) traversal sequence, a well-known technique for navigating file system directories beyond the intended scope. When an attacker crafts a request containing directory traversal sequences, the vulnerable netauth.cgi script processes these inputs without proper validation, resulting in the application attempting to read files from arbitrary locations on the server's file system. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which defines path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities as weaknesses that occur when applications fail to properly validate user input that contains path information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially confidential user information stored on the server. Attackers could exploit this weakness to retrieve system files such as password hashes, configuration files, or other sensitive data that should remain protected within the application's restricted directory structure. This vulnerability essentially grants unauthorized access to the file system, creating a significant security risk for any organization relying on the affected Netwin Netauth software.
From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 - File and Directory Discovery tactic, where adversaries seek to identify file locations and access permissions within target systems. The exploit requires minimal sophistication and can be executed through standard web application penetration testing tools, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with inadequate security controls. The vulnerability also represents a critical failure in the principle of least privilege, as it allows unauthorized access to resources that should be restricted to authorized users only.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied data, particularly path information, and ensure that the application enforces strict directory boundaries during file operations. The recommended approach involves implementing proper path validation that rejects or removes directory traversal sequences from user input, along with comprehensive access controls that limit file system access to only necessary resources. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls, input validation rules, and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities within their web applications and infrastructure components.