CVE-2002-1213 in Webserver 4 All
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in RadioBird Software WebServer 4 Everyone 1.23 and 1.27, and other versions before 1.30, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via an HTTP request with ".." (dot-dot) sequences containing URL-encoded forward slash ("%2F") characters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2019
This directory traversal vulnerability exists within RadioBird Software WebServer 4 Everyone versions 1.23 and 1.27, as well as earlier releases prior to 1.30. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation in the web server's handling of HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that include ".." sequences with URL-encoded forward slash characters "%2F" to navigate beyond the intended web root directory and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability represents a classic path traversal issue that has been documented under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass normal file access controls by manipulating URL parameters to reference files outside the web server's designated document root. When the web server processes these malformed requests, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the directory traversal sequences, enabling attackers to access sensitive files such as configuration files, password databases, system files, or other confidential data that should remain protected. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Initial Access through phishing and can also be categorized under T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol - Web Protocols when executed through web-based interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to potentially sensitive system information that could lead to further compromise of the affected system. Depending on the server configuration and file permissions, attackers might gain access to database files, application source code, user credentials, or system configuration files that could facilitate additional attacks including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or system compromise. The vulnerability affects not only the specific RadioBird WebServer versions mentioned but potentially any software implementing similar flawed path resolution mechanisms without proper input sanitization.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the web server software to version 1.30 or later, where the directory traversal issue has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns in HTTP requests. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting web server file access permissions and ensuring that the web server process runs with minimal required privileges. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications and services. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the potential consequences of inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data in web applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.