CVE-2001-1019 in sglMerchant
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in view_item CGI program in sglMerchant 1.0 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the HTML_FILE parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1019 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the sglMerchant 1.0 web application's view_item CGI program. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw exists in how the application processes the HTML_FILE parameter, failing to properly validate or sanitize user input before using it to construct file paths for retrieval.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) within the HTML_FILE parameter. This allows the attacker to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access files that should remain restricted. The vulnerability specifically affects the sglMerchant 1.0 platform, which is a web-based shopping cart system, making it a target for attackers seeking to compromise e-commerce applications. When the CGI program processes the malicious input, it directly incorporates the unvalidated path components into file system operations, enabling unauthorized file access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive files that may contain database credentials, configuration details, source code, or other confidential information. This represents a significant security risk for any organization using sglMerchant 1.0, as it could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or further exploitation through the access to underlying system files. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application code. Developers should employ strict parameter validation that rejects or removes directory traversal sequences such as .. from user-supplied input before processing. The application should enforce a whitelist approach for acceptable file paths or implement proper path normalization techniques that prevent navigation outside designated directories. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be applied by ensuring the web application runs with minimal necessary permissions and that sensitive files are properly protected through file system permissions. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in preventing path traversal attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security testing to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their web applications.