CVE-2002-0232 in MRTG
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Multi Router Traffic Grapher (MRTG) allows remote attackers to read portions of arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the cfg parameter for (1) 14all.cgi, (2) 14all-1.1.cgi, (3) traffic.cgi, or (4) mrtg.cgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2025
The directory traversal vulnerability identified in CVE-2002-0232 affects the Multi Router Traffic Grapher (MRTG) web interface, specifically targeting several CGI scripts including 14all.cgi, 14all-1.1.cgi, traffic.cgi, and mrtg.cgi. This vulnerability resides in the handling of the cfg parameter where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input containing directory traversal sequences. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file paths through the use of double dot sequences that traverse up directory levels, potentially accessing sensitive system files that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
This vulnerability represents a classic implementation of CWE-22, known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory" or "Path Traversal." The technical flaw manifests when the MRTG web interface processes the cfg parameter without adequate input validation, enabling attackers to construct malicious file paths that bypass normal access controls. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the file system level, allowing attackers to potentially read configuration files, system credentials, or other sensitive data stored on the server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical system resources. Remote exploitation requires no authentication, making the vulnerability particularly severe for systems with exposed MRTG interfaces. Attackers could potentially access not only the targeted CGI scripts but also underlying system configuration files, log files, or other sensitive data that might contain administrative credentials, network configurations, or other valuable information. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security principle of least privilege and can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of affected MRTG versions, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, and restricting access to the affected CGI scripts through network access controls or authentication mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious path traversal attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly for applications that interface directly with file systems. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566.001 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) and T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) as attackers can use it to discover system files and potentially escalate privileges through information gathering. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications and implement proper access controls to limit exposure of sensitive system interfaces.