CVE-2001-0360 in Ikonboard
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in help.cgi in Ikonboard 2.1.7b and earlier allows a remote attacker to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) attack in the helpon parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0360 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the help.cgi component of Ikonboard versions 2.1.7b and earlier. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the helpon parameter processing, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths and access unauthorized system resources. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the lack of proper sanitization of user-supplied input, enabling attackers to navigate through the file system hierarchy using the standard .. (dot dot) notation. This weakness fundamentally compromises the application's security boundaries and exposes sensitive system files to unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw manifests when the help.cgi script processes the helpon parameter without adequately validating or sanitizing the input, allowing attackers to append directory traversal sequences that bypass normal file access controls. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to severe privilege escalation and information disclosure issues. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it highly attractive to threat actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive system files including configuration data, user credentials, application source code, and potentially system binaries. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to read critical files such as database connection strings, administrative login credentials, or even system configuration files that might contain additional exploitable information. The implications are particularly severe in web server environments where Ikonboard might be installed, as it could lead to complete system compromise through the exposure of sensitive data and potential further exploitation of other vulnerabilities within the application or underlying system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0360 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Ikonboard versions, with the implementation of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied parameters are rigorously validated before being processed, particularly those that might influence file system operations. The recommended approach includes implementing strict path validation that prevents the use of directory traversal sequences, employing whitelist validation for acceptable file paths, and ensuring that all file access operations occur within predetermined safe directories. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be applied to restrict the application's file system access permissions, limiting the potential damage even if the vulnerability is exploited. Security monitoring should also be enhanced to detect anomalous file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and access control mechanisms in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1083 for discovering files and directories and T1566 for credential access through exploitation of vulnerable applications.