CVE-2002-0196 in CwpAPI
Summary
by MITRE
GetRelativePath in ACD Incorporated CwpAPI 1.1 only verifies if the server root is somewhere within the path, which could allow remote attackers to read or write files outside of the web root, in other directories whose path includes the web root.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0196 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the ACD Incorporated CwpAPI 1.1 component that fundamentally undermines web application security boundaries. This issue stems from inadequate input validation in the GetRelativePath function, which fails to properly sanitize or restrict file system access paths. The flaw specifically manifests when the system only checks whether the server root directory appears anywhere within the provided path string rather than performing comprehensive validation to ensure that paths remain within designated boundaries. This primitive validation approach creates a dangerous condition where attackers can manipulate file system operations to access directories beyond the intended web root, effectively bypassing fundamental security restrictions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw operates by exploiting the insufficient validation logic that permits path components to include directory traversal sequences or other malicious path elements that reference directories outside the intended web root. When an attacker crafts a malicious path string that contains the web root directory as part of a longer path, the system incorrectly assumes the path is safe because it contains the root directory, even though the path may reference files or directories located elsewhere in the file system. This misidentification creates a pathway for unauthorized file access that can escalate to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, potentially enabling complete system compromise through unauthorized file system access. Attackers can leverage this flaw to read sensitive configuration files, access database files, retrieve source code repositories, or even execute arbitrary code through file upload and execution vectors. The vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on CwpAPI 1.1 for file management operations, making it a significant concern for organizations running legacy web applications that have not been properly updated or patched. The attack surface is further expanded because the vulnerability operates at the file system level rather than at the application layer, meaning that traditional web application firewalls or security controls may not adequately protect against such attacks.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to several ATT&CK techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments) where attackers can use the path traversal to gain access to sensitive files or deploy malicious payloads. The vulnerability also aligns with T1213 (Data from Information Repositories) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as attackers can leverage the access to execute commands or extract data from unauthorized locations. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, path normalization, and proper access controls to prevent attackers from exploiting this vulnerability. The recommended remediation involves implementing strict path validation that checks for absolute paths, directory traversal sequences, and ensures all file operations occur within designated safe directories, effectively preventing the bypass of security boundaries that this vulnerability enables.