CVE-2002-1515 in Coolforum
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in avatar.php in CoolForum 0.5 beta allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via .. (dot dot) sequences in the img parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1515 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the CoolForum 0.5 beta software's avatar.php component. This security weakness enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system by exploiting improper input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes the img parameter without adequate sanitization, allowing malicious users to manipulate file paths through .. (dot dot) sequences that navigate upward through the directory structure.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw operates by accepting user-supplied input directly into file operations without proper validation or sanitization, creating an opportunity for attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive information from the server. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where input validation fails to prevent malicious path manipulation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive system files including configuration data, user credentials, application source code, and other confidential information stored on the server. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to files that should remain protected within the application's restricted directory structure. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require local system access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from any network location.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. Input validation and sanitization mechanisms must be strengthened to prevent any occurrence of .. sequences in file path parameters. The application should enforce strict path validation that ensures all file operations occur within predetermined safe directories. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can limit the damage that could result from such vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious path traversal patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, aligning with defensive strategies outlined in the mitre ATT&CK framework under the technique of privilege escalation through path traversal attacks.