CVE-2002-1079 in Abyss Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Abyss Web Server 1.0.3 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via ..\ (dot-dot backslash) sequences in an HTTP GET request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1079 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in Abyss Web Server version 1.0.3 that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the target system through malformed HTTP GET requests containing ..\ sequences. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw occurs when the web server fails to properly validate and sanitize input parameters that contain directory path references, allowing attackers to manipulate file access requests by exploiting the ..\ (dot-dot backslash) sequence that is typically used to navigate up one directory level in file systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation within the Abyss Web Server's file handling mechanism. When an HTTP GET request is processed, the server does not adequately filter or sanitize the requested file path, permitting attackers to inject ..\ sequences that cause the server to traverse directories beyond the intended web root directory. This allows malicious actors to access sensitive files such as configuration files, password databases, system files, and other confidential data that should remain restricted to authorized users only. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring any special privileges or authentication credentials, making it a significant threat to web server security.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1079 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to retrieve critical system information, including but not limited to user credentials, database connection strings, application source code, and system configuration files that may contain sensitive information. The vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) tactics, as it enables adversaries to gather intelligence about the target system and its configuration. Additionally, this vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for more advanced attacks, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or establish persistent access to the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1079 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Abyss Web Server version, as the vendor has likely released a security update to address this specific flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within their web applications, ensuring that all file path parameters are thoroughly checked against allowed directories and that special characters such as ..\ are properly filtered or rejected. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious patterns in HTTP requests that may indicate directory traversal attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other web applications and services, while implementing least privilege principles and proper access controls can minimize the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and proper security hardening in web server configurations to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.