CVE-2001-0404 in Javaserver Web Dev Kit
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in JavaServer Web Dev Kit (JSWDK) 1.0.1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in an HTTP request to the WEB-INF directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0404 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the JavaServer Web Development Kit version 1.0.1, specifically affecting the web server component that processes HTTP requests. This weakness enables malicious actors to access files outside of the intended web root directory by exploiting improper input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the web server processes HTTP requests containing dot-dot sequences that reference parent directories, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive system files and configuration data. The affected environment operates under the WEB-INF directory structure, which typically contains application-specific configuration files, class files, and other sensitive resources that should remain protected from external access. This directory traversal vulnerability stems from the application server's failure to properly sanitize and validate user-supplied input before processing file system requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the HTTP request processing logic of JSWDK 1.0.1, where the web server fails to adequately filter or normalize path references that contain directory traversal sequences. When an attacker crafts an HTTP request containing sequences such as "../" or "..\\", the server processes these inputs without proper validation, allowing the request to traverse up the directory tree and access files that should remain restricted. This flaw aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard HTTP protocols, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no special privileges or complex attack vectors beyond crafting malicious requests. The exploitation mechanism relies on the web server's inability to distinguish between legitimate file access requests and malicious attempts to traverse directories beyond the intended scope.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to potentially sensitive application configuration files, database connection details, and other system resources that could facilitate further exploitation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to retrieve system files, application source code, and configuration parameters that may contain authentication credentials, database passwords, or other confidential information. The exposure of WEB-INF directory contents can lead to complete application compromise, as this directory typically houses critical application components that control access and functionality. This vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges or conduct additional attacks such as code injection, depending on the nature of the accessible files and the application's architecture. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the web server runs with elevated privileges or where sensitive data is stored within the application's directory structure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0404 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed by the web server. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of JSWDK or migrate to more modern web development frameworks that properly handle path validation. The implementation of a whitelist-based approach to file access, where only explicitly allowed paths are permitted, provides the most robust protection against this class of vulnerability. Additionally, the web server should be configured to reject or normalize path references containing directory traversal sequences through proper request filtering mechanisms. Security controls should include regular input validation testing, implementation of secure coding practices, and deployment of web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious path traversal attempts. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding guidelines such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the ATT&CK framework's techniques for path traversal and credential access, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls throughout the application development lifecycle.