CVE-2002-1559 in Ion Script
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in ion-p.exe (aka ion-p) allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via (1) C: (drive letter) or (2) .. (dot-dot) sequences in the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1559 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the ion-p.exe component of the Ion software suite, which operates as a web server or application framework. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the page parameter processing functionality, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file access paths through specifically crafted requests. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input, particularly when handling drive letter specifications such as C: or directory navigation sequences like .. that are commonly used to traverse file system hierarchies. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a fundamental security weakness in path handling operations. This weakness enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially access sensitive files outside the intended web root directory.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious HTTP request containing either a drive letter specification or dot-dot sequences within the page parameter of the ion-p application. When the application processes such input without proper validation, it interprets these sequences as legitimate navigation commands rather than malicious input, resulting in unauthorized file system access. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as attackers can potentially access configuration files, source code, database files, or other sensitive system resources that should remain protected from external access. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication or privileged access, making it a significant threat to web application security. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, which describes methods used to enumerate files and directories on a compromised system.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1559 is substantial, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform unauthorized file system enumeration and data extraction from vulnerable systems. Depending on the application's configuration and the privileges of the executing process, attackers may gain access to sensitive information including passwords, encryption keys, application source code, database contents, and system configuration files. The vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browser interactions or automated tools, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise web applications. Organizations running affected versions of the ion-p application are at risk of data breaches, intellectual property theft, and potential system compromise. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for further attack vectors, as access to system files may reveal additional weaknesses or provide information necessary for privilege escalation attacks. This type of directory traversal vulnerability is classified as a common weakness in web application security and has been consistently identified in security assessments as a critical risk factor that requires immediate remediation. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack techniques and typically requires immediate patching or mitigation strategies to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.