CVE-2002-0917 in csPassword
Summary
by MITRE
CGIScript.net csPassword.cgi stores .htpasswd files under the web document root, which could allow remote authenticated users to download the file and crack the passwords of other users.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0917 represents a critical security flaw in the CGIScript.net csPassword.cgi script that has significant implications for web application security. This vulnerability resides in the improper handling of authentication file storage within web server configurations, creating an exploitable condition that affects systems running this specific CGI script. The issue stems from the script's design decision to place sensitive .htpasswd files within the web document root directory structure, making them accessible through standard web requests.
The technical flaw manifests through the insecure placement of authentication credentials within the web accessible directory hierarchy. When the csPassword.cgi script generates or manages .htpasswd files, it stores these files in locations that are directly reachable via HTTP requests rather than maintaining them in secure server-side directories. This design oversight creates a direct pathway for authenticated users to exploit the system by simply requesting the .htpasswd file through a standard web browser or HTTP client. The vulnerability specifically affects the principle of least privilege and proper access control enforcement, as it violates fundamental security practices for credential storage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it enables attackers to perform password cracking operations against the extracted authentication data. Once an attacker obtains the .htpasswd file through the web interface, they can apply various password cracking techniques to compromise additional user accounts within the system. This creates a cascading security risk where a single compromised account can potentially lead to broader system access. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor separation of concerns in web application architecture, as it fails to distinguish between legitimate web content delivery and sensitive credential management operations.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource, which specifically addresses the assignment of incorrect permissions to critical system resources. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001: Phishing, as it represents a vector through which attackers can obtain credentials that may then be used for further social engineering attacks. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of T1528: Steal Application Access Token, as the exposed .htpasswd files contain authentication information that can be leveraged for unauthorized access to web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation of the file storage configuration, ensuring that .htpasswd files are moved to directories that are not accessible through the web server's document root. Organizations should implement proper directory permissions and access controls to prevent unauthorized file access, while also considering the implementation of additional authentication layers such as two-factor authentication. Regular security audits should verify that authentication files are properly secured and that no sensitive data is inadvertently exposed through web-accessible paths. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting thorough security reviews of CGI scripts before deployment in production environments.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend to web application security best practices and highlight the critical importance of proper resource management in web server configurations. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive files, while also establishing regular security training programs to ensure development teams understand secure file handling practices. This vulnerability serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple web applications can contain critical security flaws that require careful consideration of file access controls and privilege management. The remediation process should include not only immediate fixes but also long-term security architecture improvements to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components of the web infrastructure.