CVE-2001-0693 in Enterprise Reporting Server
Summary
by MITRE
WebTrends HTTP Server 3.1c and 3.5 allows a remote attacker to view script source code via a filename followed by an encoded space (%20).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0693 represents a critical information disclosure flaw in the WebTrends HTTP Server versions 3.1c and 3.5. This issue stems from improper handling of URL encoding within the web server's file access mechanisms, creating a pathway for remote attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive script source code. The vulnerability specifically exploits the server's interpretation of encoded spaces in filenames, which should normally be processed as legitimate path separators but instead are being mishandled to expose internal script files. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of path traversal attacks and aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it accessible to any attacker with network connectivity to the affected server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL that includes a filename followed by the encoded space character %20. When the WebTrends server processes this request, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the encoded input, allowing the server to interpret the request as accessing a script file that should otherwise be protected or restricted. This misinterpretation results in the server returning the raw source code of the requested script, potentially exposing sensitive implementation details, business logic, database connection strings, or other confidential information. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input validation and path resolution within the web server's core processing logic, where encoded characters are not properly normalized or restricted before file access operations are performed. This type of flaw is particularly dangerous because script source code often contains critical information that can be used for further exploitation, including potential authentication mechanisms, data processing routines, or other application-specific logic that could be leveraged by attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed script source code provides attackers with detailed insights into the application's internal workings and potentially exposes additional attack surfaces. Attackers can use the retrieved source code to identify other vulnerabilities, understand application logic flows, and develop more sophisticated attacks against the system. The vulnerability affects organizations using WebTrends HTTP Server versions 3.1c and 3.5, which were widely deployed in enterprise environments during the early 2000s, making this a significant concern for organizations with legacy systems. The impact is particularly severe because the vulnerability enables unauthorized access to potentially sensitive application components without requiring any credentials or privileged access, aligning with the ATT&CK technique T1566 for initial access through credential dumping and T1083 for file and directory discovery. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues if sensitive source code containing proprietary information or customer data is exposed, as this constitutes a breach of data confidentiality and could result in legal and financial consequences.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0693 should focus on immediate patching of affected WebTrends HTTP Server installations to versions that properly handle URL encoding and validate input before processing file access requests. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that normalize and sanitize all URL-encoded characters before any file access operations occur, ensuring that encoded spaces and other special characters are properly handled according to security best practices. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of affected servers to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect and alert on suspicious URL patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and source code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications and servers, as this type of input validation flaw is common across many web platforms. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper path validation techniques that align with industry standards such as those recommended in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, which emphasize the need for robust input validation and proper error handling in web applications.