CVE-2002-0124 in 4D Webserver
Summary
by MITRE
MDG Computer Services Web Server 4D/eCommerce 3.5.3 allows remote attackers to exploit directory traversal vulnerability via a ../ (dot dot) containing URL-encoded slashes in the HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0124 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the MDG Computer Services Web Server 4D/eCommerce version 3.5.3. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied HTTP request parameters containing encoded directory path components. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the web server processes URL-encoded slash sequences such as %2e%2e%2f which translate to the ../ directory traversal pattern. This flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate file access requests and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files, directories, and resources that should remain protected from external inspection or modification.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the web server's insufficient filtering of input parameters within HTTP requests. When processing user requests containing directory traversal sequences, the MDG Web Server fails to properly validate or sanitize the incoming data before attempting to resolve file paths. This weakness 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 vulnerability operates by exploiting the server's failure to canonicalize or normalize file path references, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls through crafted requests that reference parent directories using encoded sequences. The specific exploitation technique involves encoding the standard directory traversal characters to circumvent basic input validation checks that might otherwise detect or block such requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized data access. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to access restricted files including configuration data, database files, application source code, and potentially system-level information that could facilitate further exploitation. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities without authentication, potentially discovering sensitive information that could aid in subsequent attacks. In a broader context, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file permissions enumeration, and represents a foundational weakness that could enable more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or data exfiltration. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access or local system credentials to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0124 should focus on immediate patching of the affected MDG Web Server software to the latest available version that addresses the directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures that properly sanitize all user-supplied HTTP request parameters, particularly those containing path references or file access requests. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems should be configured to detect and block requests containing encoded directory traversal sequences. The implementation of proper access controls and least privilege principles can help limit the damage even if the vulnerability is exploited. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications and services within the organization's infrastructure. System administrators should also consider implementing automated monitoring for suspicious directory traversal attempts and maintain up-to-date vulnerability management processes to ensure timely remediation of similar issues across all web server platforms.