CVE-2001-0114 in OmniHTTPD
Summary
by MITRE
statsconfig.pl in OmniHTTPd 2.07 allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files via the cgidir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0114 affects OmniHTTPd version 2.07 and specifically targets the statsconfig.pl script which is used for configuring statistical reporting features within the web server. This issue represents a classic file overwrite vulnerability that can be exploited remotely by malicious actors to gain unauthorized control over the web server's file system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the script, particularly concerning the cgidir parameter that is processed during configuration operations.
The technical flaw manifests when the statsconfig.pl script fails to properly validate or sanitize the cgidir parameter value provided by remote users. This parameter is intended to specify the directory where CGI scripts are stored, but due to inadequate security controls, attackers can manipulate this parameter to point to arbitrary file paths on the server. When the script processes this unvalidated input, it attempts to write configuration data to the specified location without proper authorization checks or path validation, enabling attackers to overwrite files in any location accessible to the web server process. This vulnerability operates under the broader category of path traversal and file manipulation flaws that have been consistently documented in security frameworks and represent a fundamental weakness in input handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows remote attackers to overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even executable components on the affected server. An attacker could potentially overwrite system binaries, configuration files, or log files, leading to service disruption, privilege escalation, or complete system compromise. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the server or local network presence, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web servers. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-22 which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that should prevent such path manipulation attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the OmniHTTPd software to version 2.08 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the input validation issue. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all parameters processed by the web server, particularly those that interact with the file system. Network-level protections such as firewall rules can be employed to restrict access to the statsconfig.pl script and limit exposure to unauthorized users. The implementation of principle of least privilege should ensure that the web server process operates with minimal required permissions, preventing attackers from overwriting critical system files even if exploitation occurs. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1078 which addresses valid accounts, as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the compromised system.