CVE-2002-1813 in Instant Messenger
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) 4.8.2790 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs by specifying the program in the href attribute of a link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1813 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within AOL Instant Messenger version 4.8.2790 that fundamentally compromises the security boundaries of the instant messaging client. This weakness arises from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the application's handling of hyperlinks, specifically when processing the href attribute of web links transmitted through the messaging protocol. The flaw enables malicious actors to exploit the client's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied URI references, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of relative path references and file system access controls during hyperlink processing. When AIM encounters a link containing a specially crafted href attribute, the client fails to validate whether the referenced path remains within the intended application boundaries. This deficiency allows attackers to construct malicious URIs that can traverse directory structures and execute unauthorized programs with the privileges of the user running the AIM client. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the client-side processing of web content within the messaging environment, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise and personal computing scenarios where users may interact with untrusted content.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1813 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, establish persistent backdoors, or access sensitive user information stored locally on the compromised system. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that adversaries do not require physical access to target systems, enabling widespread exploitation through social engineering campaigns targeting AIM users. Given that AIM was widely deployed in both corporate and personal environments during this period, the potential attack surface for this vulnerability was extensive, with numerous possible attack vectors through chat conversations, shared files, or malicious web content.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a classic example of improper input validation and path traversal issues that align with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The flaw demonstrates the critical importance of implementing robust input sanitization and privilege separation mechanisms within client applications that process untrusted content. Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment and application hardening measures including disabling automatic hyperlink execution, implementing strict content filtering policies, and establishing network-level controls to prevent unauthorized access to vulnerable systems. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint protection solutions and user education initiatives to reduce the risk of exploitation through social engineering approaches. The vulnerability serves as a historical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of comprehensive security testing for client applications that handle user-generated content.