CVE-2001-1432 in httpd
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Cherokee Web Server allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the URL.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2024
The CVE-2001-1432 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Cherokee Web Server implementation that fundamentally compromises the web application's file system security boundaries. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the web server's URL parsing mechanism, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths through the use of double dot sequences that are commonly referred to as directory traversal sequences. The flaw specifically affects how the server processes URLs containing .. (dot dot) characters, which are typically used to navigate up directory levels in file systems. When the web server fails to properly sanitize these sequences, it becomes vulnerable to unauthorized file access patterns that can bypass normal security restrictions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL that includes directory traversal sequences such as ../../etc/passwd or ../../../windows/system32/drivers/etc/hosts. The web server processes these malformed paths without proper validation, resulting in the server attempting to serve files from arbitrary locations within the file system. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input sanitization and output encoding that allows attackers to manipulate the intended file system access patterns. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive files such as system configuration files, database files, source code repositories, and other confidential data that should remain protected from external access.
The operational impact of CVE-2001-1432 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to critical system files, potentially leading to privilege escalation opportunities or the ability to download source code repositories that may contain sensitive implementation details. The vulnerability affects the web server's fundamental security model by allowing attackers to bypass the normal file system access controls that are typically enforced by the operating system. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by unauthenticated users and requires minimal technical knowledge to execute, making it a popular target for automated scanning tools and opportunistic attackers. The attack surface is broad as any web application hosted on the vulnerable Cherokee server becomes potentially accessible through this vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1432 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms at multiple layers of the web application stack. The most effective immediate fix involves implementing strict path validation that rejects or removes directory traversal sequences from all incoming URL requests before they are processed by the web server. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal patterns, while also ensuring that the web server is configured to operate within a restricted chroot environment or similar containment mechanism. Regular security audits should include checks for proper input validation, and developers should follow secure coding practices that prevent the inclusion of user-supplied input directly into file system operations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping web server software updated, as newer versions of Cherokee and other web servers typically include built-in protections against such traversal attacks. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and least privilege principles to minimize the damage that can be caused by successful exploitation, ensuring that web server processes operate with minimal required permissions and that sensitive files are properly protected through file system permissions and access controls.