CVE-2002-1390 in Geneweb
Summary
by MITRE
The daemon for GeneWeb before 4.09 does not properly handle requested paths, which allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a crafted URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1390 affects the GeneWeb daemon software version 4.09 and earlier, representing a critical path traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the system. This vulnerability specifically targets the daemon component responsible for serving GeneWeb data and services, where the software fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied path requests. The flaw exists in the daemon's handling of URLs and file path resolution mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to craft specially formatted URLs that bypass normal access controls and retrieve files from unexpected locations within the filesystem. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path sanitization, creating a direct pathway for unauthorized file access that could expose sensitive data, configuration files, or system resources to remote attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the daemon's insufficient validation of path parameters within URLs, allowing attackers to manipulate file access requests through directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that should normally be blocked or normalized. When a crafted URL is submitted to the daemon, the software processes the request without proper sanitization, enabling the attacker to navigate the filesystem beyond intended boundaries and access files that should remain protected. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through network-based attacks without requiring local system access or authentication. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because GeneWeb typically handles genealogical data that may contain sensitive personal information, making the potential exposure of such data particularly concerning from a privacy and compliance perspective.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors or when sensitive configuration files are accessed. Attackers could potentially retrieve database files, configuration files containing credentials, or other system files that could provide further attack surface or sensitive information. The vulnerability affects systems where GeneWeb is deployed as a web service, particularly in environments where the daemon is accessible from untrusted networks or where proper network segmentation is not implemented. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack pattern follows typical MITRE ATT&CK techniques for privilege escalation and credential access, where initial unauthorized file access can lead to broader system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1390 should prioritize immediate software updates to GeneWeb version 4.09 or later, where the path handling issues have been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to GeneWeb services, deploy web application firewalls to filter malicious path requests, and conduct thorough security reviews of all file access mechanisms within the application. Additional protective measures include implementing proper access controls, monitoring for unusual file access patterns, and ensuring that GeneWeb services are not exposed to untrusted networks without proper authentication and authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper path handling in web applications, particularly those dealing with sensitive personal data, as outlined in industry best practices for secure coding and application security.