CVE-2000-1161 in Adcycle
Summary
by MITRE
The installation of AdCycle banner management system leaves the build.cgi program in a web-accessible directory, which allows remote attackers to execute the program and view passwords or delete databases.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-1161 represents a critical security flaw in the AdCycle banner management system that stems from improper software installation practices. This issue demonstrates a fundamental failure in security-by-design principles where administrative tools were deployed without adequate access controls or security considerations. The build.cgi program, which is intended for legitimate system administration purposes, was inadvertently placed in a web-accessible directory, creating an attack surface that adversaries could exploit remotely. This misconfiguration aligns with CWE-732, which addresses inadequate permissions for critical security functions, and reflects poor security hygiene in software deployment procedures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through direct web access to the build.cgi script, which fundamentally violates the principle of least privilege and proper access control mechanisms. When attackers can access this script remotely, they gain the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The script's functionality allows for password exposure and database deletion operations, which represents a severe escalation of privileges from simple reconnaissance to full system control. This vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework category of T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries leverage legitimate system tools to execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate data compromise to encompass complete system availability and integrity breaches. Remote execution capabilities mean that attackers can manipulate or destroy database content, potentially causing significant business disruption and data loss. The exposure of passwords through this vector creates additional risks including credential reuse attacks and lateral movement within networks where the compromised system may serve as a foothold for further infiltration. Organizations relying on AdCycle systems would face substantial reputational damage and regulatory compliance issues if such vulnerabilities were exploited.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security process improvements. The primary fix involves removing the build.cgi program from web-accessible directories or implementing proper access controls through authentication mechanisms, web server configuration, or directory permissions. Organizations should implement the principle of least privilege by ensuring that only authorized personnel can access administrative scripts and that these scripts are not exposed to public internet access. Additionally, regular security audits of installed software components should be conducted to identify and remediate similar misconfigurations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security guidelines such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks to prevent similar issues in software deployment and system administration practices.