CVE-2001-0253 in Hyperseek
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in hsx.cgi program in iWeb Hyperseek 2000 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files and directories via a .. (dot dot) attack in the show parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0253 represents a classic directory traversal flaw affecting the hsx.cgi program within iWeb Hyperseek 2000 software. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The issue manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input that is used to construct file paths, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the application's behavior through specially crafted requests.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the show parameter in the hsx.cgi script, where attackers can append directory traversal sequences such as .. to navigate outside the intended directory structure. When the web application processes these malicious inputs without proper validation, it can access and retrieve files from arbitrary locations on the server filesystem. This occurs because the application directly incorporates user-supplied data into file path constructions without adequate sanitization or access control mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically affects the iWeb Hyperseek 2000 software, which was designed to provide search capabilities for web content, making it a potential vector for information disclosure attacks that could expose sensitive server files, configuration data, or other protected resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to server resources that should remain protected. Attackers can leverage this weakness to read system files, configuration files, database files, or other sensitive data that may contain credentials, application logic, or other confidential information. The remote nature of the attack means that an attacker does not need physical access to the server or local network privileges to exploit the vulnerability. This makes the attack surface particularly concerning as it can be executed from any location with internet access, potentially allowing for reconnaissance activities, data exfiltration, or further exploitation of the compromised system. The vulnerability essentially undermines the fundamental security principle of least privilege by allowing unauthorized file access through a web interface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent directory traversal attacks. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input validation that rejects or removes any path traversal sequences from user-supplied parameters before they are used in file operations. This can be achieved through regular expression filtering, canonicalization of file paths, or implementing a whitelist approach that only allows specific, predetermined file paths. Additionally, the application should be configured to run with minimal privileges and should not have access to sensitive system directories. Security practices should include regular security updates, code reviews focusing on file access functions, and implementation of proper access controls. From a defensive standpoint, network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in various security frameworks and standards that emphasize proper input validation and access control mechanisms to prevent similar issues in web applications.