CVE-2002-0680 in Webserver
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in GoAhead Web Server 2.1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a URL with an encoded / (%5C) in a .. (dot dot) sequence. NOTE: it is highly likely that this candidate will be REJECTED because it has been reported to be a duplicate of CVE-2001-0228.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2025
The directory traversal vulnerability in GoAhead Web Server version 2.1 represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the target system through carefully crafted URL sequences. This vulnerability specifically exploits the web server's inadequate input validation mechanisms when processing directory navigation sequences. The flaw manifests when the server fails to properly sanitize URL-encoded characters, particularly the backslash character encoded as %5C, which when combined with the standard directory traversal sequence .. results in unauthorized file access. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic weakness in web application security where input validation is insufficient to prevent malicious path manipulation attempts.
This technical flaw operates at the application layer of the network stack and directly violates the principle of least privilege by allowing unauthorized access to sensitive files that should remain protected. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only a remote attacker with access to the web server's URL interface, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged from anywhere on the internet. The specific implementation issue occurs in the web server's file path resolution logic where it does not adequately normalize or validate the sequence of directory navigation commands before attempting to access the requested resources. This weakness aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal vulnerabilities as a common software security flaw that allows attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as attackers can potentially access sensitive configuration files, authentication credentials, source code, or other confidential data stored on the web server. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise if sensitive files containing database credentials, application secrets, or administrative access information are accessible through the traversal attack. Organizations running vulnerable GoAhead Web Server versions face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal technical expertise to execute and can be automated through various reconnaissance and exploitation tools commonly available in the cybersecurity threat landscape.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of the GoAhead Web Server software, which would address the underlying directory traversal implementation flaw. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by detecting and blocking suspicious URL patterns containing encoded directory traversal sequences. Input validation should be implemented at the application level to normalize and sanitize all URL parameters before processing, ensuring that directory traversal sequences are properly rejected or handled. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive audits of web server configurations and file permissions to minimize the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as a duplicate of CVE-2001-0228 suggests that this issue was previously documented and understood within the security community, emphasizing the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and vulnerability management processes. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their web applications and infrastructure components.