CVE-2001-0200 in HSWeb
Summary
by MITRE
HSWeb 2.0 HTTP server allows remote attackers to obtain the physical path of the server via a request to the /cgi/ directory, which will list the path if directory browsing is enabled.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0200 affects HSWeb 2.0 HTTP server software and represents a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system details to remote attackers. This vulnerability specifically targets the server's handling of requests directed to the /cgi/ directory when directory browsing is enabled, allowing unauthorized parties to enumerate and discover the physical file system paths used by the web server. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and path handling mechanisms within the server's directory listing functionality, creating an avenue for attackers to gather intelligence about the underlying system architecture. This type of information disclosure can significantly aid threat actors in planning subsequent attacks by providing them with critical system layout information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the server's response to requests made to the cgi directory when directory browsing is enabled. When an attacker accesses this specific path, the server responds by listing directory contents including the physical path structure, effectively leaking information about the server's file system organization. This behavior occurs because the web server configuration allows directory listing functionality without proper access controls or sanitization of the response output. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard HTTP requests without requiring special privileges or authentication credentials. From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and information hiding, where system internals should remain hidden from external entities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. Once the physical paths are known, attackers can potentially exploit other vulnerabilities by targeting specific files or directories, conduct further enumeration of system resources, or develop more targeted attack vectors. This information leakage creates a foundation for privilege escalation attempts and can significantly reduce the attack surface complexity for threat actors. The vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles and can result in compliance issues with various regulatory frameworks that require protection of system information. Organizations may face increased risk of successful attacks, data breaches, and potential system compromise when this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0200 should focus on disabling directory browsing functionality on the affected server and implementing proper access controls for directory listings. System administrators should configure the web server to prevent directory listing responses and ensure that sensitive path information is not exposed to remote users. The recommended approach includes modifying server configuration files to disable directory browsing and implementing proper input validation to prevent malicious requests from triggering path disclosure. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web server configurations and ensure that all system components follow security best practices. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory listing. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to verify that directory browsing is properly disabled and that no other similar vulnerabilities exist within the web server configuration.