CVE-2002-0877 in Shambala Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the FTP server for Shambala 4.5 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) LIST (ls) or (2) GET commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0877 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the FTP server component of Shambala 4.5 software. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of file path operations during LIST and GET commands, where the server fails to properly validate or sanitize user input containing directory traversal sequences. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the FTP server's file access behavior by injecting .. (dot dot) sequences into command parameters, thereby enabling unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the FTP server's command processing logic. When users issue LIST or GET commands with path parameters containing .. sequences, the server does not properly canonicalize or sanitize these paths before attempting file operations. This allows attackers to traverse up directory levels and access files that should remain restricted, potentially exposing sensitive system information, configuration files, or even system binaries. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the file system access controls implemented by the FTP server.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security risks to systems running Shambala 4.5 FTP servers. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to arbitrary files on the server, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and further exploitation opportunities. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access or local system credentials to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible FTP services. Organizations may face compliance violations and regulatory penalties if sensitive data is compromised through such attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This weakness category encompasses various implementations where applications fail to properly validate or sanitize file paths, leading to unauthorized access to system resources. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which involves legitimate credentials to access systems, as attackers can use the directory traversal to access system files that might contain authentication information or system configurations. The attack chain typically involves initial reconnaissance, followed by exploitation of the traversal vulnerability to access sensitive files, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0877 should focus on immediate patching of the Shambala 4.5 FTP server component, as this represents the most effective solution. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that canonicalize all file paths before processing user requests. Additional protective measures include restricting FTP server access to trusted networks, implementing proper file system access controls, and monitoring for unusual file access patterns. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit the attack surface by restricting access to FTP services from untrusted networks. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other network services. The remediation process should also include reviewing and updating access control policies to ensure that FTP services operate with minimal necessary privileges and that sensitive files are properly protected against unauthorized access attempts.