CVE-2001-0630 in Source Viewer
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in MIMAnet viewsrc.cgi 2.0 allows a remote attacker to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) attack in the loc variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0630 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the MIMAnet viewsrc.cgi version 2.0 web application. This weakness resides in the application's improper handling of user-supplied input through the loc parameter, which enables attackers to manipulate file paths and access restricted system resources. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the lack of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that should prevent directory traversal sequences such as the well-known dot-dot-slash pattern.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences in the loc variable parameter. The viewsrc.cgi script fails to adequately validate or sanitize this input, allowing the attacker to navigate through the file system hierarchy and access files that should remain protected. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental lack of input validation and access control mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized file system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially enable attackers to access sensitive system files, configuration data, application source code, and other confidential information. In the context of web applications, this vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise if attackers can access critical system files or application credentials. The remote nature of the attack means that an attacker does not require local system access or authentication to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web environments. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers may use this vulnerability as part of broader reconnaissance or exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0630 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the viewsrc.cgi application. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input validation that rejects or removes directory traversal sequences from user-supplied parameters before processing. This includes filtering out characters such as .., \, /, and other path traversal indicators. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and privilege separation, ensuring that web applications operate with minimal necessary permissions and cannot access system files outside of designated directories. Additionally, application developers should employ secure coding practices that validate all user inputs and implement proper output encoding to prevent malicious input from being interpreted as commands or path specifications. The implementation of a whitelist approach for acceptable file paths, combined with regular security audits and code reviews, can significantly reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities in web applications.