CVE-2001-0593 in Clipper
Summary
by MITRE
Ananconda Partners Clipper 3.3 and earlier allows a remote attacker to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) attack in the template parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0593 affects Ananconda Partners Clipper 3.3 and earlier versions, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the template parameter processing functionality, which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before using it to construct file paths. The vulnerability specifically exploits the lack of proper path normalization and validation mechanisms that should prevent attackers from manipulating file access through directory traversal sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the classic double dot or dot dot attack pattern where an attacker can manipulate the template parameter to navigate through the file system hierarchy using ../ sequences. When the application processes user input without proper sanitization, it allows these traversal sequences to be interpreted literally, enabling access to files outside the intended directory structure. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by remote unauthenticated attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it can potentially expose sensitive system files, configuration data, and application resources to unauthorized access. Attackers could exploit this weakness to read system files such as password databases, configuration files containing credentials, application source code, or other sensitive information that should remain protected. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad by allowing unauthorized information disclosure, potentially leading to further exploitation opportunities including privilege escalation or system compromise. Organizations using affected versions of Clipper 3.3 or earlier face significant risk of data breaches and unauthorized system access, particularly in environments where the application handles sensitive information or serves as a web-based interface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available version of Clipper that addresses the directory traversal flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures that filter or reject directory traversal sequences from all user-supplied inputs, particularly those used in file path construction. The implementation of proper access controls and privilege separation can help limit the damage even if an attacker successfully exploits the vulnerability. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to affected applications, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect and alert on suspicious file access patterns. This vulnerability also aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments), as it enables attackers to discover and access sensitive files within the system. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms as additional defensive layers to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other applications within their environment.