CVE-2000-0903 in Voyager
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Voyager web server 2.01B in the demo disks for QNX 405 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0903 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Voyager web server version 2.01B that was distributed with QNX 405 demo disks. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web server's file handling processes, specifically when processing URL requests containing directory navigation sequences. The vulnerability manifests when the server fails to properly sanitize or normalize file paths that contain the .. (dot dot) notation, which is a standard Unix/Linux method for navigating up one directory level in the file system hierarchy.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows remote attackers to exploit the web server's insufficient path validation by crafting malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences in their URLs. When the Voyager web server processes these requests, it does not properly validate or normalize the file paths, enabling attackers to navigate beyond the intended web root directory and access arbitrary files on the server's file system. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no local system access or authentication credentials to exploit.
The operational impact of this directory traversal vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Attackers can potentially access sensitive system files, configuration data, database files, and other confidential information stored on the server. This includes but is not limited to password files, system configuration settings, application source code, and potentially even user data. The vulnerability essentially provides an attacker with unauthorized file system access, which can lead to complete system compromise if sensitive files containing credentials or system information are accessible. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be executed remotely without requiring any prior authentication or system access privileges.
From a cybersecurity perspective, 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. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique under T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, where adversaries enumerate files and directories to understand system structure and identify sensitive data. The vulnerability also relates to T1566 - Phishing, as attackers may use information obtained through such traversal to craft more sophisticated social engineering attacks. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the Voyager web server, implementing proper input validation, and configuring web server access controls to restrict file system access. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be reviewed to limit exposure of vulnerable web servers to untrusted networks, while regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other applications and systems.