CVE-2002-1628 in Mikes Vote CGI
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in vote.cgi for Mike Spice Mike s Vote CGI before 1.3 allows remote attackers to write arbitrary files via .. (dot dot) sequences in the type parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2025
The CVE-2002-1628 vulnerability represents a classic directory traversal flaw in the Mike Spice Mike s Vote CGI script version 1.2 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the vote.cgi component which processes user input through the type parameter to determine file operations. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file paths by inserting .. (dot dot) sequences, effectively bypassing normal file access controls and gaining unauthorized access to the file system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the CGI script's file handling mechanism.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, specifically classified as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" which is a fundamental weakness in web application security. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests containing malicious path sequences. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it allows arbitrary file writing operations, meaning attackers can not only read files but also write or modify files on the target system. This capability significantly expands the potential impact beyond simple information disclosure to include system compromise and data manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1628 is substantial as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on the vulnerable system through file manipulation. An attacker could potentially overwrite critical system files, inject malicious code into existing scripts, or create new files with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in web server environments where CGI scripts are executed with system privileges, potentially allowing attackers to gain root access or escalate their privileges within the system. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied data, particularly parameters used in file operations. The most effective approach is to validate and sanitize the type parameter to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. Organizations should implement a whitelist approach for acceptable file paths and reject any input containing .. sequences or other path traversal characters. Additionally, the CGI script should be updated to version 1.3 or later where this vulnerability has been patched. System administrators should also implement proper access controls and ensure that CGI scripts are executed with minimal necessary privileges. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for CGI script exploitation and represents a common vector for privilege escalation attacks in web application environments.