CVE-2002-1483 in DB4Web
Summary
by MITRE
db4web_c and db4web_c.exe programs in DB4Web 3.4 and 3.6 allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via an HTTP request whose argument is a filename of the form (1) C: (drive letter), (2) //absolute/path (double-slash), or (3) .. (dot-dot).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1483 affects DB4Web versions 3.4 and 3.6, specifically targeting the db4web_c and db4web_c.exe components that handle HTTP requests. This represents a classic path traversal or directory traversal vulnerability that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the target system through carefully crafted HTTP requests. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the web application's file handling mechanisms, allowing malicious users to manipulate file path arguments and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits three distinct patterns of file path manipulation that bypass normal access controls. The first pattern involves using drive letters in the form of C: which allows attackers to specify absolute paths on the local file system. The second pattern utilizes double-slash notation //absolute/path that can be interpreted by the application to navigate to arbitrary locations within the file system hierarchy. The third pattern employs dot-dot sequences .. that enable attackers to traverse up directory levels and access files outside the intended web root directory. These techniques collectively represent variations of the same underlying vulnerability that violates proper file access controls and authorization mechanisms.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for systems running affected DB4Web versions. Remote attackers can potentially access sensitive system files including configuration files, database files, application source code, and other confidential data that should remain protected. The vulnerability allows for information disclosure attacks where attackers can extract valuable intelligence about the system architecture, application configuration, and potentially credentials stored in accessible files. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within the compromised environment.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. This weakness occurs when applications fail to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input that is used to construct file paths. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information), as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to discover and extract sensitive files from the target system. Organizations using vulnerable DB4Web implementations face potential data breaches, system compromise, and regulatory compliance violations that could result in significant financial and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected DB4Web versions to address the path traversal flaw. System administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures that reject or escape special characters used in file path construction. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit access to vulnerable components, while implementing web application firewalls can provide additional protection against malformed requests. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing mandatory access controls and privilege separation to limit the impact of potential exploitation, ensuring that even if path traversal occurs, attackers cannot access critical system resources beyond the intended application scope.