CVE-2001-0226 in Biblioweb Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in BiblioWeb web server 2.0 allows remote attackers tor ead arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) or ... attack in an HTTP GET request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0226 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the BiblioWeb web server version 2.0, classified under CWE-22 as improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. This security weakness enables remote attackers to access files outside the intended web root directory by exploiting improper input validation in HTTP GET requests. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the web server fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or ... which are commonly used to navigate up directory levels in file systems. Attackers can leverage this flaw to read arbitrary files on the server, potentially accessing sensitive information including configuration files, user data, or system credentials that should remain protected within restricted directories. The exploitation of this vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and access control mechanisms within the web server implementation.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2001-0226 occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious HTTP GET request containing directory traversal sequences that bypass the web server's path validation checks. When the server processes these requests, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters, allowing the traversal sequences to be interpreted as legitimate path navigation commands. This results in the web server attempting to serve files from locations outside the designated web root directory, potentially exposing sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content, specifically leveraging the weakness in web application security controls. The flaw essentially allows attackers to circumvent the intended file system access controls through improper input handling and inadequate path validation.
The operational impact of this directory traversal vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise if attackers gain access to sensitive configuration files or system credentials. An attacker could potentially read database configuration files containing database passwords, application configuration files with hardcoded credentials, or system files that reveal the server's internal structure and potentially lead to further exploitation opportunities. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the web server's data, as unauthorized access to files can result in data leakage and potential system manipulation. Organizations using BiblioWeb 2.0 are particularly vulnerable since this flaw allows for arbitrary file access without authentication, making it a high-severity issue that could enable attackers to escalate privileges or gather intelligence for further attacks. This type of vulnerability can also facilitate the exploitation of additional security weaknesses by providing attackers with access to system information that would otherwise be protected.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0226 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent directory traversal attacks. The primary defense involves ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly validated and that any directory traversal sequences are rejected or neutralized before processing. Organizations should implement proper path validation that checks for the presence of .. or ... sequences in file paths and rejects requests containing such patterns. Additionally, the web server should be configured to run with minimal privileges and access controls should be implemented to restrict file system access. The solution aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top 10 and follows the principle of least privilege as defined in NIST SP 800-53. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious directory traversal attempts, along with regular security audits to ensure that input validation mechanisms are properly configured. Updates to the BiblioWeb software or migration to more secure web server implementations should be prioritized to eliminate this vulnerability from production environments.