CVE-2001-0212 in Auktion
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in HIS Auktion 1.62 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the menue parameter, and possibly execute commands via shell metacharacters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0212 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within HIS Auktion version 1.62, a web-based auction system that was widely deployed in early internet commerce environments. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's parameter processing logic, specifically affecting the menue parameter handling. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file paths by injecting directory traversal sequences using the ".." (dot dot) notation, which can bypass intended access controls and potentially lead to unauthorized system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file system operations. When the menue parameter contains directory traversal sequences, the application processes these inputs without proper validation, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access files that should remain restricted. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple file reading capabilities to potentially enable command execution through shell metacharacters, amplifying the threat surface significantly.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to web applications running HIS Auktion 1.62, particularly those handling sensitive auction data or user information. Attackers can exploit this weakness to access configuration files, database credentials, user records, and potentially system-level files that contain critical business or personal information. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in public-facing web environments. The potential for command execution through shell metacharacters places this vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 technique for command and scripting interpreter, where attackers can leverage the vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization measures, including implementing strict parameter validation that rejects or removes directory traversal sequences before processing user input. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal patterns, and implement proper access controls that limit file system access to only necessary directories. Additionally, the application should be updated to a newer version of HIS Auktion that addresses this vulnerability, or alternatively, the affected system should be isolated from public networks until proper patches are applied. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that all input parameters are properly validated and that the application cannot be coerced into accessing unauthorized file system resources through manipulation of the menue parameter or similar input fields.