CVE-2001-1248 in vWebServer
Summary
by MITRE
vWebServer 1.2.0 allows remote attackers to view arbitrary ASP scripts via a request for an ASP script that ends with a URL-encoded space character (%20).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1248 affects vWebServer version 1.2.0, a web server implementation that suffers from improper input validation and path handling mechanisms. This flaw resides in how the server processes requests for active server pages scripts, specifically when these requests contain URL-encoded space characters. The vulnerability represents a classic path traversal issue where the server fails to properly sanitize or validate the file path components in the HTTP request, allowing malicious actors to access files outside the intended directory structure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted HTTP request that includes an ASP script name ending with a URL-encoded space character %20. When the web server processes this request, it interprets the encoded space as part of the filename and attempts to serve the requested ASP script, regardless of whether the file exists within the web root directory or if the request attempts to access restricted files. This improper handling of URL encoding creates a path traversal condition that bypasses normal access controls and file system restrictions, potentially allowing attackers to view sensitive server-side script files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as ASP scripts often contain sensitive application logic, database connection strings, and server-side code that could provide attackers with valuable insights for further exploitation. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to server-side scripts that might contain database credentials, application logic, or other sensitive information that could facilitate more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor mechanism for attackers to bypass normal file access controls and retrieve files that should remain protected.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-23 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, both of which are categorized under the broader category of path traversal attacks in the CWE database. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1083 File and Directory Discovery and T1566 Phishing, as attackers can use this technique to discover sensitive files and potentially use the information to craft more targeted phishing attacks. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of T1213 Data from Information Repositories, as it enables unauthorized access to server-side script repositories.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the vWebServer software to the latest available version that addresses the path handling and input validation issues. Organizations should implement proper input validation mechanisms that sanitize all file path components in HTTP requests, particularly when dealing with URL-encoded characters. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and restricting direct file access to web servers can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive server-side scripts. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to the web server to only authorized users and systems, reducing the attack surface for such vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other web server implementations and applications.