CVE-2001-0900 in Francisco Burzi
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in modules.php in Gallery before 1.2.3 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the include parameter.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0900 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Gallery web application prior to version 1.2.3. This weakness resides within the modules.php file and specifically affects how the application handles the include parameter, creating an opportunity for remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters that are directly used in file inclusion operations. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious URLs containing .. (dot dot) sequences in the include parameter, which allows them to traverse the file system directory structure and access files outside the intended web root directory.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The flaw operates at the application logic level where user input is directly concatenated into file paths without proper sanitization or validation. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it enables remote code execution capabilities when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the application has access to sensitive system files such as configuration files, database credentials, or system logs. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper access control mechanisms that are fundamental to secure application development practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, affecting organizations that rely on Gallery for image management and web publishing. Remote attackers can potentially access sensitive information including database connection strings, administrative credentials, configuration files, and other system files that may contain confidential data. The vulnerability also poses significant risk to the overall security posture of web applications, as it can serve as a stepping stone for further exploitation attempts. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability was present in widely used web applications and represents a common pattern of insecure file handling that has been documented in numerous security assessments and penetration testing reports. The attack can be executed without authentication requirements, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0900 should focus on immediate patching of affected Gallery installations to version 1.2.3 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures that reject or sanitize any input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. The implementation of proper access controls and the principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that web applications operate with minimal required permissions and cannot access system files outside their intended directories. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to sensitive application components. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, with particular attention to file handling functions and parameter validation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting directory traversal vulnerabilities, as outlined in the attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of directory traversal.