CVE-2002-1718 in IIS
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS) 5.1 may allow remote attackers to view the contents of a Frontpage Server Extension (FPSE) file, as claimed using an HTTP request for colegal.htm that contains .. (dot dot) sequences.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2019
Microsoft Internet Information Server 5.1 suffers from a directory traversal vulnerability that enables remote attackers to access Frontpage Server Extension files through improper input validation in HTTP requests. This weakness stems from insufficient sanitization of path traversal sequences within the URL handling mechanism, allowing malicious actors to navigate beyond the intended web root directory and retrieve sensitive files. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing requests containing .. (dot dot) sequences in the filename parameter, particularly targeting the colegal.htm file within the Frontpage Server Extension framework. This issue represents a classic path traversal flaw that aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability permits unauthorized access to files that should remain protected within the server's restricted file system hierarchy, potentially exposing sensitive configuration data, source code, or other confidential information stored within the Frontpage Server Extension directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain unauthorized access to server-side resources that may contain critical system information, user credentials, or application logic. When combined with other exploitation techniques, this vulnerability could serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, including privilege escalation or system compromise. The attack vector leverages standard HTTP protocols without requiring special authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through simple web browser requests or automated scanning tools. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability affects the Frontpage Server Extension component, which was commonly deployed in enterprise environments running Microsoft IIS 5.1, creating a widespread exposure across numerous web servers. The vulnerability's exploitation demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web server configurations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms that properly sanitize all user-supplied data before processing HTTP requests. Organizations should immediately apply the security patches released by Microsoft to address this specific directory traversal issue within the IIS 5.1 environment. Network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal sequences in HTTP requests, particularly those containing .. (dot dot) sequences. The implementation of proper access controls and file permission settings can help minimize the impact of successful exploitation attempts by limiting the amount of sensitive data accessible through the web server. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that no unnecessary Frontpage Server Extension components remain installed on web servers, as these often represent additional attack surfaces. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and following secure coding practices that prevent improper input handling in web applications. The attack pattern described in this vulnerability aligns with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 technique for discovering files and directories, highlighting the reconnaissance phase of potential cyber attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual access patterns or attempts to access restricted files through HTTP requests, providing early warning capabilities for potential exploitation attempts.