CVE-2001-0495 in WebXQ
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal in DataWizard WebXQ server 1.204 allows remote attackers to view files outside of the web root via a .. (dot dot) attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0495 represents a classic directory traversal flaw that existed in the DataWizard WebXQ server version 1.204. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw allows remote attackers to access files outside the intended web root directory by exploiting the server's insufficient input validation mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the WebXQ server fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input that contains directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. When a remote attacker crafts a malicious request containing these sequences, the server processes them without adequate validation, allowing the attacker to navigate through the file system hierarchy and access sensitive files that should remain restricted. The vulnerability specifically affects the server's handling of file paths, where the application does not properly resolve or validate the requested file paths before accessing the file system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides unauthorized access to potentially sensitive data that may include configuration files, database files, system credentials, or other confidential information stored on the server. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass normal access controls and retrieve files that should only be accessible to authorized users or system processes. This type of vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors, as the attacker gains visibility into the server's file structure and can potentially access critical system components.
The attack pattern associated with CVE-2001-0495 aligns with the techniques documented in the attack tree framework, particularly those targeting web application security flaws. The vulnerability demonstrates how insufficient input validation can create opportunities for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior and access unauthorized resources. Organizations running this version of the DataWizard WebXQ server were exposed to potential data breaches and system compromise. The remediation strategy involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques, ensuring that all user-supplied paths are validated against a whitelist of acceptable directories, and implementing proper access controls that prevent traversal beyond the intended web root. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping web server software updated, as newer versions would have addressed this specific path traversal issue through improved input validation mechanisms and secure coding practices that prevent such exposure to directory traversal attacks.