CVE-2000-0811 in Auction Weaver
Summary
by MITRE
Auction Weaver 1.0 through 1.04 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) attack on the username or bidfile form fields.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0811 represents a classic path traversal flaw affecting Auction Weaver versions 1.0 through 1.04. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation within the web application's form processing mechanisms, specifically targeting the username and bidfile form fields. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the lack of proper sanitization for user-supplied data that contains directory traversal sequences, allowing malicious actors to navigate the file system beyond the intended application boundaries. Such flaws fall under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector leverages the .. (dot dot) sequence that is fundamental to Unix and Windows file systems, enabling attackers to access files outside the web root directory where the application is hosted.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input containing directory traversal sequences through the vulnerable form fields. When the application processes these inputs without proper validation or sanitization, it inadvertently interprets the traversal sequences and attempts to access files in parent directories. This can lead to unauthorized reading of sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, system files, or other confidential data that should remain protected from external access. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal access controls and retrieve arbitrary files from the server's file system, potentially exposing critical information that could compromise the entire system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring any special privileges or authentication, making it a severe security risk for any web application that fails to properly validate user inputs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within the compromised system. Attackers can use this vulnerability to gather intelligence about the server environment, identify other potential vulnerabilities, and potentially escalate their access to execute further malicious activities. The vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and input validation, which are core requirements in security frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Organizations running affected versions of Auction Weaver face significant risks including data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability also demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper input validation and output encoding practices, which are essential components of the defense-in-depth strategy recommended by various security standards including ISO 27001 and the SANS Institute's security practices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0811 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by the vendor, as well as implementing proper input validation mechanisms. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized and validated before processing, with specific attention to removing or encoding directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. The implementation of secure coding practices including the use of allowlists for valid input patterns, proper file access controls, and the principle of least privilege should be enforced. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious directory traversal patterns in network traffic. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, as path traversal flaws remain prevalent in many web applications due to insufficient input validation. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of keeping software up to date with security patches and maintaining comprehensive security awareness training for developers to prevent such flaws from being introduced in the first place.