CVE-2001-1205 in Last Lines
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in lastlines.cgi for Last Lines 2.0 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via .. sequences in the $error_log variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1205 represents a classic directory traversal flaw affecting the lastlines.cgi script in Last Lines 2.0 web application. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw exists within the error logging component of a web-based system that processes user input through the $error_log variable, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to access sensitive system files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the lastlines.cgi script. When the application processes the $error_log variable, it fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or ../. This allows attackers to manipulate the script into accessing files outside of the intended directory structure. The vulnerability specifically targets the error log processing functionality, where the application should only be able to read designated log files but instead permits arbitrary file access through crafted input sequences.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security implications for systems running the affected Last Lines 2.0 software. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access sensitive system information including configuration files, authentication data, system logs, and potentially even system binaries or user credentials stored in log files. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it may enable further exploitation pathways, including privilege escalation or system compromise. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) as attackers can use the discovered information to plan more sophisticated attacks.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically involves crafting malicious input containing directory traversal sequences that manipulate the $error_log variable to point to sensitive files. This attack vector demonstrates how web applications can fail to properly validate user input, particularly when dealing with file system operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the web application level, where attackers can leverage network connectivity to remotely exploit the flaw without requiring local system access. Organizations using this software face risks of unauthorized data access, system compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations due to exposure of sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the Last Lines 2.0 software to address the directory traversal flaw, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied data, and restricting file system access permissions for web applications. Security measures should enforce proper path validation to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed, while also implementing principle of least privilege for web application processes. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities and establish proper input validation frameworks that align with industry standards such as those defined by OWASP and NIST. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring solutions can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this type of vulnerability.