CVE-2002-1627 in Quiz Me!
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in quiz.cgi for Mike Spice Quiz Me! before 0.6 allows remote attackers to write arbitrary files via .. (dot dot) sequences in the quiz parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2025
The CVE-2002-1627 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the quiz.cgi script component of Mike Spice Quiz Me! versions prior to 0.6. This vulnerability specifically affects web applications that utilize the quiz.cgi script for handling user input and quiz management functionality. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or filter user-supplied data before processing. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests containing .. (dot dot) sequences within the quiz parameter, which allows them to traverse the file system directory structure beyond the intended boundaries. The vulnerability essentially permits unauthorized access to files and directories that should remain protected, creating a significant security risk for web applications that rely on this component.
The technical implementation of this directory traversal vulnerability occurs at the input processing layer where the quiz parameter is directly used without proper sanitization or path validation. When the application receives a request containing .. sequences in the quiz parameter, the script fails to properly resolve the file paths, allowing attackers to navigate to arbitrary locations on the server file system. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to not only read sensitive files but also to write arbitrary files to the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1627 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary file operations on the target system. This includes the potential to create malicious files, overwrite existing system files, or inject backdoors into the web application environment. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web browser-based interactions or automated scanning tools, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to gain unauthorized access to systems. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, as it allows for the execution of arbitrary code through file system manipulation. The impact is especially severe in environments where the web application runs with elevated privileges, as attackers could potentially escalate their access to system-level operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1627 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent directory traversal attempts. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that filters out or rejects any input containing .. sequences or other path traversal indicators. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Mike Spice Quiz Me! version 0.6 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. Additionally, implementing proper file access controls and restricting web application permissions to only necessary directories can significantly reduce the attack surface. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can also provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation in web applications and demonstrates how seemingly simple flaws can lead to severe security consequences.