CVE-2000-0902 in PhotoAlbum
Summary
by MITRE
getalbum.php in PhotoAlbum before 0.9.9 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0902 represents a classic directory traversal attack that affected the PhotoAlbum web application version 0.9.8 and earlier. This flaw resides in the getalbum.php script which failed to properly validate user input, specifically when processing directory paths. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure through the use of directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. This type of attack falls under the category of CWE-22 - Improper Limiting of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a fundamental weakness in input validation that has been consistently identified as a critical security risk across numerous applications and systems. The attack vector specifically targets the web application's handling of file paths without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the application's file access functions by injecting traversal sequences into the input parameters that control which album or file to retrieve. When the PhotoAlbum application processes these malformed requests, it fails to properly resolve the requested paths, leading to unauthorized access to files that should remain protected within the application's restricted directory structure. This flaw essentially bypasses the intended file access controls and allows attackers to potentially read sensitive system files, configuration data, or other restricted content that may contain credentials, application logic, or other confidential information. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring any special privileges or authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by anyone with access to the vulnerable web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise if attackers can access critical system files or configuration data. In the context of the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to the T1083 - File and Directory Discovery technique, as attackers can systematically explore the file system to identify sensitive data. The exposure of arbitrary files through directory traversal can result in information disclosure, credential exposure, and potentially lead to further exploitation opportunities. Attackers can use this vulnerability to gain insights into the application's internal structure, discover backup files, access database connection strings, or find other sensitive information that could be leveraged for additional attacks. The severity of this vulnerability is amplified by the fact that it affects a web application that is typically accessible from the internet, making it a prime target for automated scanning and exploitation tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0902 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The most effective approach involves implementing strict path validation that prevents traversal sequences from being processed by the application. This includes filtering or rejecting input containing .. characters, implementing proper directory traversal checks, and ensuring that all file access operations occur within predetermined safe directories. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block such traversal attempts, as well as conducting regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The remediation process should include updating to PhotoAlbum version 0.9.9 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls, regular file system audits, and comprehensive logging of file access attempts can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can identify similar directory traversal vulnerabilities across their entire application portfolio, as this type of flaw is commonly found in legacy web applications and can be easily overlooked during security assessments.