CVE-2002-0922 in csNews
Summary
by MITRE
CGIScript.net csNews.cgi allows remote attackers to obtain database files via a direct URL-encoded request to (1) default%2edb or (2) default%2edb.style, or remote authenticated users to perform administrative actions via (3) a database parameter set to default%2edb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0922 affects CGIScript.net csNews.cgi software, representing a critical information disclosure and privilege escalation issue within web-based content management systems. This vulnerability resides in the improper handling of URL-encoded parameters that control database file access and administrative operations. The flaw manifests when the application fails to adequately validate or restrict access to sensitive database files, allowing unauthorized users to directly request database resources through encoded URL parameters. The specific vulnerable parameters include default%2edb and default%2edb.style which represent the database and style files respectively, while the database parameter set to default%2edb enables administrative actions for authenticated users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the csNews.cgi script. When a user submits a request containing URL-encoded parameters such as default%2edb, the application processes these without sufficient authorization checks or path validation. This creates a direct pathway for attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve database files that should remain protected. The vulnerability operates under CWE-22 which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. Additionally, the flaw demonstrates characteristics of CWE-79 which covers cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, as the unvalidated input can lead to unauthorized administrative actions within the application's context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass full administrative control of the affected system. Remote attackers can obtain database files containing sensitive information such as user credentials, content management data, and potentially system configuration details. Authenticated users with lower privileges can escalate their access to administrative functions, effectively compromising the entire system's security posture. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential access, as it enables unauthorized access to database resources that typically require proper authentication. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects both remote unauthenticated users and authenticated users, creating multiple exploitation pathways.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0922 require immediate implementation of multiple security controls to address both the information disclosure and privilege escalation aspects. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameter sanitization to prevent URL-encoded parameter manipulation, ensuring that all database file requests are properly authenticated and authorized. Access control mechanisms must be strengthened to prevent direct file access through URL parameters, implementing proper file access controls that restrict database file access to authorized administrative users only. The system should enforce proper path validation to prevent traversal attacks and ensure that database files are stored outside of web-accessible directories. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, particularly those handling database connections and file operations. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized database file access attempts, while maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against similar vulnerabilities in other components of the information system.