CVE-2000-0810 in Auction Weaver
Summary
by MITRE
Auction Weaver 1.0 through 1.04 does not properly validate the names of form fields, which allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary files and directories via a .. (dot dot) attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0810 affects Auction Weaver versions 1.0 through 1.04, representing a critical security flaw in web application input validation mechanisms. This issue stems from inadequate sanitization of form field names within the application's processing logic, creating a path for malicious exploitation through directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of user-supplied data in form elements, where proper validation is absent or insufficient to prevent dangerous path manipulation sequences.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows remote attackers to exploit the application's failure to validate form field names by injecting malicious sequences containing dot-dot components. When the application processes form data without proper validation, attackers can manipulate input parameters to include .. (dot dot) sequences that traverse directory structures. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through web-based interfaces where form submissions are processed, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no special privileges or authentication to exploit.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and encompasses unauthorized file system access and potential complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this flaw to delete arbitrary files and directories on the server hosting the vulnerable Auction Weaver application, potentially leading to data loss, service disruption, and complete system infiltration. The ability to perform directory traversal attacks through form field manipulation represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's security controls, as it allows attackers to bypass normal access restrictions and potentially access sensitive system files or directories.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw demonstrates a classic example of insufficient input validation where the application fails to properly sanitize user-provided data before processing it within the file system context. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to several techniques within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those involving privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms through file system manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization procedures within the application's form processing logic. Organizations should implement strict validation of all form field names and content, ensuring that directory traversal sequences are properly detected and rejected. The solution involves deploying proper path normalization techniques that strip or encode dangerous characters from user input before any processing occurs. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation within the application architecture can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, though the primary defense remains robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms.