CVE-2002-1039 in Double Choco Latte
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Double Choco Latte (DCL) before 20020706 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via .. (dot dot) sequences when downloading files from the Projects: Attachments feature.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1039 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Double Choco Latte (DCL) web application framework that predates the 20020706 release version. This security weakness specifically affects the Projects: Attachments feature, which serves as a file management component within the application's functionality. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied file paths, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate directory navigation sequences. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting .. (dot dot) sequences into file download requests, effectively bypassing normal file access controls and gaining unauthorized access to the underlying file system.
The technical exploitation of this directory traversal vulnerability occurs when the application processes file download requests without proper validation of the requested file paths. When users attempt to download attachments through the Projects: Attachments feature, the system accepts user input directly without filtering or sanitizing the path components. This allows an attacker to append directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate upward through the directory structure and access files outside the intended download scope. The flaw essentially permits arbitrary file reading capabilities, enabling attackers to retrieve sensitive files including configuration data, source code, database credentials, or other confidential information stored on the server.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing the affected DCL version, as it provides attackers with unrestricted access to the file system through the web interface. The exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal attacks as a fundamental weakness in input validation. The attack vector demonstrates characteristics consistent with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) tactics, as attackers may use this vulnerability to discover sensitive files or establish persistent access through compromised credentials.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including patching to the 20020706 release or later versions that contain proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The recommended approach involves implementing strict path validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences, employing absolute path resolution techniques, and ensuring proper access controls are enforced at the application level. Additionally, security measures should include input filtering that removes or encodes potentially dangerous characters, implementing proper file access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should also be deployed to detect anomalous file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and the potential consequences of inadequate security controls in web application frameworks.