CVE-2000-1133 in Authentix
Summary
by MITRE
Authentix Authentix100 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication by inserting a . (dot) into the URL for a protected directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-1133 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in the Authentix Authentix100 web server software that was widely deployed in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This issue stems from a fundamental flaw in how the authentication module processes URL requests, specifically when handling directory paths that contain dot characters. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates a classic example of improper input validation that can be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to protected resources. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to circumvent the entire authentication mechanism without requiring valid credentials or exploiting other system weaknesses.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the way Authentix100 processes URL paths containing dot characters, which are commonly used in web applications for various purposes including directory traversal and resource referencing. When a user attempts to access a protected directory, the authentication module fails to properly sanitize or validate the URL path before checking authentication credentials. This allows attackers to insert a dot character into the URL path for a protected directory, effectively bypassing the authentication check and gaining access to restricted content. The vulnerability is classified as a path traversal issue that can be categorized under CWE-22, which deals with improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The flaw essentially allows attackers to manipulate the authentication flow by exploiting how the web server interprets URL components containing special characters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, particularly for organizations relying on Authentix100 for web content protection and access control. Attackers can exploit this weakness to access sensitive information, administrative interfaces, and protected resources without proper authorization, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects not only individual web applications but also entire server infrastructures that depend on the Authentix authentication module. Organizations using this software were exposed to significant risks including data breaches, unauthorized access to confidential information, and potential system infiltration. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network presence, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments where such servers are exposed to the internet. This type of vulnerability can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which involves malicious email attachments, though the primary vector here is direct web application exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of the Authentix100 software to address the URL path validation flaw, which was subsequently resolved through official software updates. Organizations should implement proper input validation mechanisms that sanitize all URL components before processing authentication checks, ensuring that special characters including dots are properly handled according to security best practices. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to external threats. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable software and ensure proper configuration of authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation and proper security testing of web applications, particularly those handling authentication and access control functions. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting similar vulnerabilities in their infrastructure.