CVE-2002-0441 in Php Imglist
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in imlist.php for Php Imglist allows remote attackers to read arbitrary code via a .. (dot dot) in the cwd parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0441 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the Php Imglist application's imlist.php script. This weakness stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before processing them within the application's file system operations. The specific vulnerability manifests when the cwd parameter receives a .. (dot dot) sequence that allows attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary files on the server.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates at the core of file system path manipulation, where the application does not adequately validate or sanitize the cwd parameter that controls the current working directory for file listing operations. When an attacker supplies a crafted .. sequence within this parameter, the application processes it without proper sanitization, enabling path traversal beyond the designated directory scope. The flaw directly enables remote attackers to access files that should remain restricted, potentially exposing sensitive system information, configuration files, or even executable code that could be read by the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a potential attack vector for more severe security breaches. An attacker could leverage this weakness to read system configuration files, database connection details, or even application source code that contains sensitive logic or credentials. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require local system access or physical presence, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments where the application is exposed to untrusted users.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental lack of input validation and proper access control mechanisms within the application's file system operations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, where adversaries attempt to identify files and directories of interest for further exploitation or data exfiltration activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0441 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization techniques. The application should implement strict parameter validation that rejects or normalizes any path traversal sequences before processing user input. Security measures should include absolute path validation, where the application verifies that all file operations occur within predefined safe directories, and the implementation of proper access control mechanisms that prevent unauthorized file access regardless of input parameters. Additionally, developers should employ secure coding practices that eliminate the possibility of path traversal by using whitelisting approaches or normalized path resolution techniques that prevent the exploitation of directory traversal vulnerabilities through parameter manipulation.