CVE-2002-1423 in FUDforum
Summary
by MITRE
tmp_view.php in FUDforum before 2.2.0 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via an absolute pathname in the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1423 affects FUDforum versions prior to 2.2.0 and represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the tmp_view.php script. This issue enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by manipulating the file parameter with an absolute pathname, potentially exposing sensitive system information and compromising the integrity of the affected web application. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the file parameter handling mechanism, allowing malicious users to bypass normal access controls and retrieve files that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the category of path traversal attacks, specifically targeting the tmp_view.php component which processes file viewing requests. When a user submits a request containing an absolute pathname in the file parameter, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before processing it. This lack of proper input validation creates an opportunity for attackers to navigate the filesystem and access files outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-22, which represents improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to manipulate the file parameter to specify any absolute path on the filesystem, potentially accessing configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive files such as database configuration files, application source code, system configuration files, or even user credential databases. The remote nature of the attack means that an attacker does not require local system access or physical presence to exploit the vulnerability. This makes the attack surface particularly dangerous as it can be executed from anywhere on the internet, potentially affecting multiple users and systems simultaneously. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which involves accessing data from information repositories, and T1083, which covers discovering file and directory permissions. The attack can be automated and scaled, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to extract sensitive information from web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the FUDforum application. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input validation that rejects any absolute path references and enforces proper path restrictions to prevent directory traversal attacks. Organizations should implement a whitelist approach where only specific, authorized files can be accessed through the tmp_view.php script. Additionally, the application should enforce proper file access controls and ensure that all file operations occur within designated safe directories. System administrators should also implement proper access controls, file permissions, and monitoring mechanisms to detect and prevent unauthorized file access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices, including input validation, output encoding, and proper error handling, as recommended by the OWASP Top Ten and other industry security standards. Regular security updates and patch management should be implemented to ensure that all known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly, and that the application maintains a secure configuration throughout its operational lifecycle.