CVE-2000-1204 in HTTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the mod_vhost_alias virtual hosting module for Apache 1.3.9, 1.3.11 and 1.3.12 allows remote attackers to obtain the source code for CGI programs if the cgi-bin directory is under the document root.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-1204 resides within the mod_vhost_alias module of Apache HTTP Server versions 1.3.9, 1.3.11, and 1.3.12, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access sensitive source code files. This issue specifically manifests when the cgi-bin directory is located within the document root, creating an unintended access pathway that bypasses normal security controls. The mod_vhost_alias module, designed to provide flexible virtual hosting capabilities, contains a configuration parsing error that allows malicious actors to exploit directory traversal mechanisms and retrieve the source code of CGI programs. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and information hiding, as it allows unauthorized access to potentially sensitive application code that could reveal implementation details, logic flaws, and potential attack vectors for subsequent exploitation.
The technical flaw stems from improper handling of directory paths within the mod_vhost_alias module, where the module fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters that define virtual host configurations. When Apache processes requests through virtual hosts configured with mod_vhost_alias, the module does not adequately restrict access to directory structures that contain CGI executables. This misconfiguration allows attackers to craft specific URLs that traverse the file system in unexpected ways, ultimately enabling them to read the source code of CGI scripts located in the cgi-bin directory. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically relates to improper input validation and access control mechanisms, which aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limiting of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation). The flaw demonstrates a classic path traversal vulnerability that exploits the lack of proper path sanitization in the virtual hosting module.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-1204 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposure of CGI source code provides attackers with valuable intelligence for planning more sophisticated attacks. When attackers can access the source code of CGI programs, they gain insights into application logic, database connection strings, hardcoded credentials, and potential security weaknesses within the code. This information can be leveraged to identify additional vulnerabilities such as SQL injection points, buffer overflows, or other code-level flaws that may not be apparent from external network scanning alone. The vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles defined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, particularly in the areas of protection and detection, as it allows unauthorized access to sensitive information without proper authentication or authorization mechanisms. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability can be classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework's T1566 (Phishing) and T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) techniques, as it enables attackers to gather intelligence about target systems and potentially use this information for further compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-1204 primarily focus on immediate patching of affected Apache versions, as the vulnerability was resolved in subsequent releases of the Apache HTTP Server. Organizations should ensure they are running Apache 1.3.13 or later versions where the mod_vhost_alias module has been properly patched to address the path traversal issues. Alternative mitigation approaches include reconfiguring virtual hosting setups to avoid placing cgi-bin directories within the document root, implementing proper access controls through .htaccess files, and using directory permissions that prevent unauthorized access to CGI source files. Network segmentation and firewall rules can also be implemented to restrict access to CGI directories from untrusted networks. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other web server modules and applications, as this type of vulnerability remains prevalent in web applications and servers. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in web server configurations, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and regular software updates to maintain robust security postures.