CVE-2002-0261 in Miniportal
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in InstantServers MiniPortal 1.1.5 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via a ... (modified dot dot) in the GET command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2019
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0261 affects InstantServers MiniPortal version 1.1.5 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that permits authenticated remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the target system. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the GET command processing mechanism, where the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied path information before using it to access system resources. The flaw specifically manifests when the application encounters directory traversal sequences such as ... (modified dot dot) patterns in the GET request parameters, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access files that should remain restricted.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate file access requests through the use of special characters that reference parent directories, effectively bypassing access controls and potentially exposing sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP GET requests, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal privileges beyond authentication to exploit. Attackers can leverage this flaw to read system files such as password hashes, configuration files, database files, or any other sensitive data stored within the application's accessible directory structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within the compromised environment. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to potentially sensitive system information, including but not limited to user credentials, application configuration details, and system-level data that could be used to escalate privileges or conduct further reconnaissance. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the affected system, as unauthorized file access can lead to data breaches and compromise the overall security posture. Organizations running affected versions of InstantServers MiniPortal face significant risk of unauthorized data access and potential system compromise, particularly in environments where the application handles sensitive information or user data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0261 should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of vendor patches or updates that address the directory traversal vulnerability in the GET command processing. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent the use of directory traversal sequences in file access requests, ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly validated before being processed. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the scope of potential exploitation, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect and alert on suspicious file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security controls that can detect and block directory traversal attack patterns provides an additional layer of protection. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in application code. This issue demonstrates the critical need for proper input validation and the implementation of defense-in-depth strategies to protect against common web application vulnerabilities that have been well-documented in security frameworks and attack methodologies such as those referenced in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for application layer attacks.