CVE-2002-1600 in My Classifieds
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Mike Spice s My Classifieds (classifieds.cgi) before 1.3 allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files via the category parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1600 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Mike Spice's My Classifieds web application, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.3. This vulnerability manifests in the classifieds.cgi script which fails to properly validate user input parameters, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to manipulate file system access patterns. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows adversaries to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access or modify files that should remain protected. The vulnerability specifically targets the category parameter, which serves as the attack vector for manipulating the application's file handling mechanisms. This issue falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious category parameter value containing directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques. The application processes this input without adequate sanitization or validation, allowing the attacker to specify arbitrary file paths that the script attempts to access or modify. When the classifieds.cgi script handles such input, it directly incorporates the user-supplied category parameter into file system operations, enabling attackers to overwrite files outside the intended application directory. This flaw essentially removes the application's ability to enforce proper file system access controls, allowing full read and write access to the underlying file system from the web application's perspective. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates at the file system level rather than merely affecting web application logic, making it particularly dangerous for systems where the web application runs with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1600 extends far beyond simple data theft or modification, as it provides attackers with the capability to completely compromise the affected web application and potentially the entire hosting environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to overwrite critical application files, inject malicious code into the web application, or even gain persistent access through backdoor file placement. The vulnerability also enables attackers to read sensitive configuration files, database connection details, or other critical system information that might be stored in accessible locations. In many cases, this type of vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise when the web application runs with privileges that allow access to system-critical files. The exploitation can be automated and does not require any special authentication or authorization, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as successful exploitation typically requires no prior authentication and can lead to further privilege escalation or lateral movement within the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1600 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary solution involves updating the My Classifieds application to version 1.3 or later, where the directory traversal vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures, including the removal of special characters from user inputs and the implementation of proper path validation routines. The application should be configured to operate with minimal required privileges, ensuring that even if exploitation occurs, the attacker cannot gain access to critical system files. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and file system permissions can limit the potential damage from such vulnerabilities. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file access patterns and attempts to access system directories. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious directory traversal attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as both are fundamental requirements for preventing directory traversal attacks according to industry security standards and best practices.