CVE-2002-0926 in webMathematica
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Wolfram Research webMathematica 1.0.0 and 1.0.0.1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the MSPStoreID parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0926 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Wolfram Research webMathematica versions 1.0.0 and 1.0.0.1. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before processing file operations. The specific vulnerability manifests through the MSPStoreID parameter which accepts directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" which is classified as a fundamental flaw in access control mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers craft malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences within the MSPStoreID parameter. By inserting .. sequences into the parameter value, attackers can manipulate the file access routines to traverse parent directories and access files that should remain restricted to authorized users only. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal file access controls and potentially read sensitive system files, configuration data, or other confidential information stored on the server. This vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and sanitization that enables attackers to manipulate the application's file system operations through crafted parameter values.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0926 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to critical system resources that could lead to further compromise. Depending on the server configuration and file permissions, successful exploitation could result in the exposure of sensitive data, system configuration files, or even allow for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability affects webMathematica installations that handle file storage operations through the MSPStoreID parameter, making it particularly concerning for organizations using this mathematical computing platform for web-based applications. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers can use this weakness to gather intelligence about the target system. The flaw represents a significant security gap that could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to the underlying operating system files and potentially escalate their privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied parameters undergo strict validation to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. The recommended approach includes implementing whitelist validation that only accepts expected parameter values, removing or encoding special characters such as .. sequences, and ensuring proper access controls are enforced at the application level. System administrators should also implement proper file access controls and restrict the web application's ability to access sensitive system directories. Additionally, the affected webMathematica versions should be upgraded to patched releases that address this directory traversal vulnerability. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and proper access control implementation in web applications, particularly those handling file system operations.