CVE-2001-0795 in LiteServe
Summary
by MITRE
Perception LiteServe 1.25 allows remote attackers to obtain source code of CGI scripts via URLs that contain MS-DOS conventions such as (1) upper case letters or (2) 8.3 file names.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0795 affects Perception LiteServe version 1.25, a web server application that processes common gateway interface scripts. This weakness stems from improper handling of file path references in the web server's directory traversal mechanism, specifically when processing urls containing ms-dos naming conventions. The flaw allows remote attackers to access sensitive source code files through crafted url parameters that utilize uppercase letters or 8.3 filename formats, which are legacy dos file naming conventions that can bypass normal path validation mechanisms.
This vulnerability represents a directory traversal attack vector where the web server fails to properly sanitize input paths before resolving them against the filesystem. The technical implementation of the flaw occurs because the server does not normalize file paths or properly validate directory references, allowing attackers to manipulate the request to access files outside the intended web root directory. When upper case letters or 8.3 format filenames are included in the url, the server's path resolution logic treats these differently than standard unix-style paths, creating an opportunity to navigate to unauthorized directories. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows unauthorized access to sensitive source code files that may contain database connection strings, application logic, business rules, and other confidential information. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain intelligence about the target system's architecture, potentially leading to further exploitation opportunities. The remote nature of the attack means that an attacker does not need physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit this vulnerability. The attack can be executed through simple web browser requests or automated tools, making it particularly dangerous for systems that host sensitive applications or contain proprietary code.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include implementing proper input validation and normalization of file paths before processing, ensuring that all path references are properly sanitized and normalized regardless of the naming convention used. System administrators should update to newer versions of Perception LiteServe that address this issue, as the vendor likely released patches to fix the path traversal logic. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and file permissions can limit the damage even if the vulnerability is exploited. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and filtering suspicious url patterns. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their web applications to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities and ensure that all applications properly validate and sanitize user input before processing file operations. The attack pattern aligns with the technique described in the attack tree framework under path traversal attacks, where attackers leverage legacy file naming conventions to bypass modern security controls.