CVE-2002-0278 in Mailman Free
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Add2it Mailman Free 1.73 and earlier allows remote attackers to modify arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the list parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0278 represents a classic directory traversal flaw affecting the Add2it Mailman Free version 1.73 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the application's handling of user input within the list parameter, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate file system access patterns. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict directory navigation sequences, allowing malicious actors to traverse the file system hierarchy beyond intended boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the list parameter using directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e which represent the parent directory navigation in web applications. When the application processes these sequences without proper validation, it allows attackers to specify file paths that extend beyond the intended directory structure, potentially enabling access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or even permitting arbitrary file modification. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through web-based interfaces where user input is directly processed without adequate sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable complete system compromise through arbitrary file modification capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, modify existing application files, or even inject code into the system, potentially leading to full system control. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the application environment, as it allows unauthorized modification of critical system components. This type of vulnerability directly relates to CWE-22 which specifically addresses Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, and represents a fundamental flaw in input validation and access control mechanisms.
Organizations running affected versions of Add2it Mailman Free face substantial risk from this vulnerability, as it provides attackers with a straightforward method to escalate privileges and compromise the system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated scanning and exploitation tools. Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under techniques such as T1059 for command and script injection, and T1566 for credential harvesting through file system manipulation. The vulnerability also aligns with T1083 for file and directory discovery, as attackers would likely enumerate the system to identify valuable targets for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must focus on immediate input validation and sanitization improvements within the application code. Organizations should implement proper path validation that rejects or normalizes directory traversal sequences in all user-supplied parameters. The recommended approach includes implementing strict input filtering that removes or encodes potentially dangerous sequences, establishing proper access controls that limit file system operations to predefined directories, and implementing proper authentication and authorization mechanisms. Additionally, system administrators should ensure that affected systems are patched or upgraded to versions that address this vulnerability, as the original application is no longer supported. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and traversal attempts. Regular security assessments should include testing for similar directory traversal vulnerabilities in other applications and systems to prevent similar issues from occurring in the broader infrastructure.