CVE-2002-1504 in Webserver 4 Everyone
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in WebServer 4 Everyone 1.22 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via "..\" (dot-dot backslash) sequences in a URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1504 represents a classic directory traversal flaw that affected WebServer 4 Everyone version 1.22, a lightweight web server software commonly used in small-scale deployments and embedded systems. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of path traversal attacks that have been consistently documented in cybersecurity literature for decades. The flaw specifically resides in how the web server processes URL requests containing directory traversal sequences, allowing unauthorized access to files outside the intended web root directory. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a widely deployed web server solution that was often used in environments where security considerations were minimal.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the web server's URL parsing mechanism. When a remote attacker crafts a malicious URL containing the "..\" sequence, the server fails to properly sanitize or normalize the path components before attempting to serve the requested file. This allows the attacker to navigate upward through the directory structure using the dot-dot notation, effectively bypassing access controls and gaining access to sensitive files that should remain protected. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer and can be exploited without authentication, making it a high-severity issue that can lead to complete system compromise. The specific exploitation technique relies on the backslash character as a path separator, which is particularly effective in Windows-based environments where such traversal sequences are commonly processed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. Attackers can potentially access system configuration files, user credentials, database files, and other sensitive information stored on the server. In enterprise environments, this vulnerability could provide attackers with access to critical business data, potentially leading to financial losses, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. The vulnerability also enables attackers to potentially execute malicious code if they can upload files to the server or if the server is configured to execute scripts from accessible directories. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in embedded systems and IoT devices where the web server component might be used for administrative access, making the potential impact significantly greater than in traditional server environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1504 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as this vulnerability has been known and patched for over two decades. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization at all levels of their web applications, ensuring that all path traversal sequences are properly handled before file access operations occur. The implementation of secure coding practices, including the use of allowlists for valid file paths and proper path normalization, can effectively prevent such vulnerabilities. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to limit access to web server components, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other software components. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses path traversal issues, and represents a fundamental security principle that should be addressed through proper input validation and secure coding practices as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks and standards. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this as a privilege escalation technique under the T1078 category, as it allows attackers to access resources they should not normally have access to.