CVE-2001-0853 in GetAccess
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Entrust GetAccess allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the locale parameter to (1) helpwin.gas.bat or (2) AboutBox.gas.bat.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0853 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Entrust GetAccess software suite, specifically affecting the helpwin.gas.bat and AboutBox.gas.bat components. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters, particularly the locale parameter that is processed by these batch files. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to manipulate file paths through the use of directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) which enables unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal vulnerabilities as a fundamental security weakness involving improper input validation and path handling.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences within the locale parameter of the targeted batch files. When these files process the unvalidated input, they interpret the .. sequences as navigation commands that traverse up the directory hierarchy, potentially allowing access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or other restricted resources that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates over remote network connections without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any attacker with network access to the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can potentially expose sensitive information that may include system configuration details, user credentials, or other confidential data stored in accessible locations. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gather intelligence about the target system, escalate privileges, or combine it with other exploits to achieve more significant security breaches. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality aspects of the system's security model, as it allows unauthorized data disclosure that violates the principle of least privilege and proper access controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0853 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the affected components. Organizations should immediately apply vendor patches or updates that address the directory traversal vulnerability in Entrust GetAccess software. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting access to the affected batch files and ensuring that only authorized personnel can interact with these components. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the software development lifecycle, particularly in input validation and path handling, to prevent similar issues from occurring in future implementations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and credential access techniques, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures that address both the immediate vulnerability and broader system security posture.