CVE-2001-1115 in SIX-webboard
Summary
by MITRE
generate.cgi in SIX-webboard 2.01 and before allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a dot dot (..) in the content parameter.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1115 affects SIX-webboard 2.01 and earlier versions, specifically targeting the generate.cgi script within this web application framework. This issue represents a classic directory traversal vulnerability that enables remote attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure. The flaw exists in the handling of user input within the content parameter, where proper validation and sanitization mechanisms are absent or insufficient. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to exploit the web application's file system access controls through simple relative path traversal sequences using the double dot notation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the generate.cgi script processes the content parameter without adequate input validation, permitting attackers to craft malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences such as "../" or "..\". When the application processes these sequences, it navigates up the directory tree and accesses files that should remain protected or restricted. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities. The attack vector allows for arbitrary file reading, potentially exposing sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other confidential information stored on the server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access critical system resources and potentially escalate their privileges. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to read system files such as /etc/passwd or /etc/shadow on unix-like systems, or sensitive application files that may contain database connection strings, cryptographic keys, or other security-sensitive data. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the web application's data, potentially leading to further compromise of the system through information gathering that could reveal system architecture, application logic, or other attack vectors. This weakness also represents a significant risk to compliance requirements, as it may violate data protection regulations by exposing sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1115 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the generate.cgi script. The most effective approach involves filtering or rejecting any input containing directory traversal sequences such as "../" or "..\" before processing user-supplied content parameters. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and privilege separation, ensuring that the web application runs with minimal required privileges and that file system access is properly restricted. Additionally, the application should be upgraded to a patched version of SIX-webboard that addresses this vulnerability, as the original affected versions contain no built-in protections against such attacks. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which describes discovery of file and directory permissions, as attackers can use directory traversal to identify and access files that should be protected. System administrators should also implement web application firewalls and monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while maintaining regular security assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other web applications.