CVE-2000-0906 in Cached Feed.cgi Script
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Moreover.com cached_feed.cgi script version 4.July.00 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) attack on the category or format parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0906 represents a classic directory traversal flaw in the cached_feed.cgi script distributed by Moreover.com, specifically version dated July 2000. This security weakness resides in the script's improper handling of user-supplied input parameters, particularly the category and format parameters that are processed without adequate validation or sanitization. The vulnerability stems from the script's failure to properly filter or restrict directory path components, allowing malicious actors to manipulate input parameters to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates through the exploitation of the .. (dot dot) sequence commonly used in file systems to move up one directory level. When an attacker submits crafted input containing these sequences in the category or format parameters, the script processes these inputs directly without proper input validation, enabling the attacker to traverse directories beyond the intended scope. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal access controls and potentially read sensitive files such as configuration files, password databases, or other system resources that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to potentially escalate their privileges or gain deeper system access. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal'), which is categorized as a high-severity issue in the CWE hierarchy. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083: File and Directory Discovery, where adversaries seek to understand the file system structure and locate sensitive data. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is significant as it can be leveraged to access not only web application source code but also system configuration files, database files, and other sensitive resources that could provide further attack vectors or compromise the entire system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0906 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures at the application level. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects or filters out directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. Additionally, the script should be configured to operate within a restricted directory context, ensuring that all file operations occur only within designated safe directories. The implementation of secure coding practices, including the use of allowlists for valid input parameters and proper path normalization, would prevent such vulnerabilities from existing in the first place. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns, and ensure that all software components are regularly updated to address known vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough code review to identify similar patterns and ensure that all user inputs are properly validated before being processed by any file system operations.