CVE-2000-0975 in Foundation Directory
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in apexec.pl in Anaconda Foundation Directory allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0975 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the apexec.pl script component of the Anaconda Foundation Directory software. This directory traversal vulnerability enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system by exploiting improper input validation mechanisms within the application. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied input that contains directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e, allowing attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access sensitive files that should remain restricted.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's lack of proper input validation and sanitization routines in the apexec.pl script. When user input containing directory traversal sequences is processed without adequate filtering or normalization, the application interprets these sequences as legitimate navigation commands rather than malicious input. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where the script fails to validate or sanitize the input parameters before processing them, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate file access paths.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can potentially expose sensitive system information including configuration files, database credentials, user authentication data, and other confidential information stored on the server. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read system files, access administrative interfaces, or potentially escalate privileges within the application environment. The remote nature of this attack vector means that adversaries do not require local system access or authentication to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for web applications and services that are accessible over the network. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers the discovery of system information through directory listing and file access enumeration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0975 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application code. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input filtering that removes or encodes directory traversal sequences before processing user input. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and privilege separation, ensuring that the application runs with minimal necessary permissions and that file access is properly restricted. Additionally, regular security code reviews and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The remediation process should include updating the apexec.pl script to properly validate all input parameters and implement proper path normalization techniques to prevent unauthorized file access attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious directory traversal patterns and prevent exploitation attempts.