CVE-2002-1677 in mrtgconfig
Summary
by MITRE
14all.cgi 1.1p15 in mrtgconfig allows remote attackers to determine the physical path to the web root directory via a request with an invalid cfg parameter, which generates an error message that reveals the path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1677 represents a classic information disclosure flaw affecting the 14all.cgi script version 1.1p15 within the mrtgconfig suite. This vulnerability arises from the script's inadequate error handling mechanism when processing user input parameters, specifically the cfg parameter that is intended to specify configuration file paths. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental security weakness in how the application manages malformed input, exposing critical system information through error messages generated during processing.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a request containing an invalid cfg parameter value to the 14all.cgi script. The script fails to properly validate or sanitize this input parameter, causing it to generate an error message that inadvertently reveals the physical path to the web root directory. This type of information disclosure vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and represents a specific instance of CWE-201 "Information Exposure Through Sent Data" where sensitive system information is leaked through application responses. The vulnerability directly enables attackers to gain knowledge about the server's file system structure, which serves as a crucial reconnaissance step for further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with essential path information that can facilitate more sophisticated attacks. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain knowledge about the server's physical directory structure, which can be used to identify potential file locations, understand the system's configuration, and plan subsequent attacks. The leaked path information may reveal the exact location of sensitive files, configuration data, or other system components that could be targeted in additional attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 "File and Directory Discovery" as it enables adversaries to gather information about the file system structure, and T1068 "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" as the leaked information can facilitate more advanced attack vectors.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly concerning given that it affects a script designed for network monitoring and management. The mrtgconfig tool is typically used for monitoring network traffic and system performance, making it a critical component in network infrastructure. When such tools contain information disclosure vulnerabilities, they become potential entry points for attackers seeking to gain deeper insights into network systems. The vulnerability demonstrates poor secure coding practices where error handling does not properly sanitize output to prevent information leakage. Organizations using this version of 14all.cgi should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, proper error handling, and removal of the vulnerable script from production systems. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and keeping network monitoring tools updated to prevent exploitation of known flaws that could compromise entire network infrastructures.