CVE-2002-0611 in Fileseek
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in FileSeek.cgi allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a ....// (modified dot dot) in the (1) head or (2) foot parameters, which are not properly filtered.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0611 represents a classic directory traversal flaw in the FileSeek.cgi web application component. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of path traversal attacks and is formally categorized as CWE-22 according to the Common Weakness Enumeration standards. The flaw exists within the file handling mechanism of the CGI script where the head and foot parameters fail to properly sanitize user input, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file access paths through specially crafted directory traversal sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the exploitation of insufficient input validation within the FileSeek.cgi script. Attackers can construct malicious URLs containing the sequence . . . // which bypasses standard path validation mechanisms and enables unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure. This modified dot dot traversal technique specifically targets the head and foot parameters of the script, exploiting the lack of proper input filtering to manipulate the file system access paths. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the application's security architecture where user-supplied parameters directly influence file system operations without adequate sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive system files including configuration files, password databases, and other confidential data that should remain protected. The vulnerability affects systems running the FileSeek.cgi application and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in web environments. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities for initial access and privilege escalation. The attack surface is significant as it allows for arbitrary file reading, potentially exposing system configuration details, user credentials, and application source code that could be leveraged for further exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0611 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the FileSeek.cgi script. The primary remediation involves filtering and validating all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file system operations, to prevent the inclusion of directory traversal sequences. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation that rejects or removes potentially dangerous characters and sequences from input data before processing. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that the web application runs with minimal necessary permissions and that file system access is restricted to only required directories. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security auditing of web applications and the implementation of secure coding practices that prevent such path traversal vulnerabilities from occurring in the first place, aligning with industry standards that emphasize input validation as a fundamental security control.