CVE-2000-0832 in Htgrep
Summary
by MITRE
Htgrep CGI program allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files by specifying the full pathname in the hdr parameter.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2025
The CVE-2000-0832 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the htgrep CGI program that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the target system through manipulation of the hdr parameter. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and path traversal attacks, where the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file system operations. The htgrep utility, designed for searching through HTML documents, improperly processes the hdr parameter which is intended to specify header information for search results. When an attacker supplies a full pathname in this parameter, the application treats it as a legitimate file path without adequate validation, allowing access to sensitive system files that should remain protected.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw exists at the core of input sanitization where the application does not implement proper access controls or path validation mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to bypass normal file access restrictions and potentially read system configuration files, password files, or other sensitive data that may contain authentication credentials or system information. The attack vector is straightforward and requires minimal technical expertise, making it attractive to both skilled and less experienced attackers.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0832 extends beyond simple file access, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other vulnerabilities or when attackers gain access to critical system files. The vulnerability affects web servers running the htgrep CGI program, particularly those configured with default settings that do not properly restrict file access. Attackers can exploit this flaw to read password files such as /etc/passwd or /etc/shadow, configuration files that may contain database credentials, or log files that could reveal system administration patterns. This information can then be used for privilege escalation attacks, further exploitation, or to gain deeper insights into the target system's architecture and security posture. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers the discovery of system information through file and directory enumeration, and T1566, which covers the initial access phase using web application vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0832 should include immediate patching of the htgrep CGI program to implement proper input validation and path sanitization. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied input is validated against a strict whitelist of acceptable characters and paths, and that the application operates with minimal required privileges. Implementing proper access controls through web server configuration, such as restricting access to sensitive directories and implementing proper file permissions, can significantly reduce the attack surface. Additionally, deploying web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security auditing of all CGI applications to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities, as this flaw is not unique to htgrep but represents a common pattern in web application development where input validation is insufficient. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure that similar issues are not present in other applications within the environment.