CVE-2001-0466 in Ustorekeeper Online Shopping System
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in ustorekeeper 1.61 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0466 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the ustorekeeper 1.61 web application, classified under CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory. This security weakness enables remote attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure by manipulating the file parameter through the use of directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's file handling routines, allowing malicious actors to craft requests that bypass normal file access controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the ustorekeeper application processes user-supplied file parameters without properly validating or sanitizing the input before using it in file system operations. When an attacker submits a request containing .. sequences in the file parameter, the application fails to properly resolve the path, allowing the traversal to occur beyond the designated document root or restricted directory boundaries. This flaw specifically affects the file parameter handling mechanism, where the application directly incorporates user input into file system calls without adequate path validation or canonicalization.
The operational impact of this directory traversal vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to arbitrary files on the affected system. Successful exploitation could lead to the disclosure of sensitive information including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data stored on the server. Attackers could potentially access system files, user data, or application-specific files that should remain protected, resulting in data breaches, system compromise, and potential further escalation within the network environment. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can enable attackers to gather intelligence for subsequent attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied input is properly validated against a whitelist of acceptable characters and patterns, and that file system operations use canonical path resolution to prevent path traversal attacks. The implementation of secure coding practices including proper path validation, input sanitization, and the use of secure file handling functions should be enforced. Additionally, the application should be configured to run with minimal privileges and access rights, limiting the potential damage from successful exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, where attackers use directory traversal to enumerate system resources, and represents a fundamental security gap that requires immediate remediation through proper application security controls and input validation mechanisms.