CVE-2001-0804 in Interactive Story
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in story.pl in Interactive Story 1.3 allows a remote attacker to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) attack on the "next" parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0804 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the Interactive Story 1.3 web application's story.pl script. This weakness enables remote attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure through manipulation of the "next" parameter using directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability specifically exploits how the application processes user input without proper validation or sanitization, allowing malicious actors to navigate the file system beyond authorized boundaries.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which classifies improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw occurs when an application uses user-supplied input to construct file paths without adequate validation, permitting attackers to reference files outside the intended directory scope. The specific implementation in story.pl demonstrates how a simple parameter manipulation can lead to unauthorized file access, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle sensitive data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file reading capabilities, as it can potentially expose sensitive system information including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into the application's architecture, identify other potential weaknesses, and potentially escalate privileges. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system, making the vulnerability particularly concerning for publicly accessible web applications. The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) when used as part of broader attack campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0804 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the story.pl script. The most effective approach involves implementing a whitelist-based validation system that only accepts predefined, safe values for the "next" parameter, rather than allowing arbitrary user input to determine file paths. Additionally, developers should employ proper path resolution techniques that normalize and validate all file paths before processing, ensuring that directory traversal sequences are properly detected and neutralized. The application should also implement proper access controls and file system permissions to limit what files can be accessed even if traversal attempts are successful. Security patches for this vulnerability would typically involve modifying the story.pl script to sanitize user input and implement proper boundary checks on file access operations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious directory traversal patterns and prevent exploitation attempts.