CVE-2002-0772 in Hosting Controller
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in dsnmanager.asp for Hosting Controller allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files and directories via a .. (dot dot) in the RootName parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0772 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the dsnmanager.asp component of Hosting Controller, a web-based hosting management platform. This weakness enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files and directories on the server by manipulating the RootName parameter through directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's file handling mechanisms, allowing malicious users to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
This directory traversal vulnerability specifically affects the Hosting Controller application's data source name management functionality, where the RootName parameter controls the directory path for file operations. When the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input, attackers can craft malicious requests containing .. (dot dot) sequences that navigate upward through the directory structure. The flaw operates by allowing the application to interpret these traversal sequences as legitimate path navigation commands rather than malicious input, thereby enabling access to files outside the intended directory boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can potentially expose sensitive system information including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance activities, escalate privileges, or even execute further attacks against the compromised system. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication and can be executed through standard web browser requests, making it accessible to anyone who can reach the vulnerable Hosting Controller interface. According to the attack technique framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) within the MITRE ATT&CK methodology, as it enables attackers to discover and access files through publicly exposed web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0772 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the Hosting Controller application. The primary defense involves ensuring that all user-supplied input, particularly parameters used in file operations, undergoes rigorous validation to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. Implementing a whitelist-based approach for acceptable directory paths, combined with proper path normalization and absolute path resolution, can effectively prevent attackers from navigating outside intended directories. Organizations should also consider applying the principle of least privilege by restricting the web application's file system access rights and implementing proper access controls. Additionally, regular security updates and patches from the Hosting Controller vendor should be applied immediately upon availability, as this vulnerability was present in older versions of the software and has since been addressed through proper input validation implementations. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and filtering suspicious requests containing traversal sequences before they reach the vulnerable application components.