CVE-2002-1815 in File Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in source.php and source.cgi in Aquonics File Manager 1.5 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1815 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Aquonics File Manager version 1.5 through both source.php and source.cgi components. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied URL parameters containing directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes URL paths without adequate filtering of special characters such as the double dot sequence .. that is commonly used to navigate up directory levels in file systems. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious URLs that include these traversal sequences, enabling them to access files outside the intended directory structure and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs at the application layer where the file manager fails to implement proper path validation and normalization before processing user requests. When a malicious URL containing .. sequences is submitted to the vulnerable components, the application interprets these sequences as legitimate navigation commands rather than malicious input, resulting in the disclosure of arbitrary files from the server's file system. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw represents a fundamental failure in input sanitization and access control implementation within the file management application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially enable attackers to access sensitive configuration files, system credentials, application source code, and other confidential data stored on the affected server. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to perform reconnaissance activities, identify system architecture details, and potentially escalate privileges by accessing files containing authentication tokens or database connection parameters. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the system as it allows unauthorized access to files that should remain protected within the application's designated directory structure. This weakness particularly impacts web applications that provide file browsing or management capabilities, as it undermines the fundamental security principle of least privilege and proper access control enforcement.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms at multiple layers of the application architecture. Organizations should immediately apply patches or updates provided by the vendor to address the directory traversal vulnerability in Aquonics File Manager 1.5. Additionally, implementing proper path validation techniques such as canonicalization of file paths, strict input filtering, and the use of allowlists for permitted file access can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the attack surface, while monitoring and logging mechanisms should be deployed to detect suspicious file access patterns. The remediation approach aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1083, which covers File and Directory Discovery, as defenders must implement controls that prevent unauthorized file access and discovery operations that attackers might attempt to execute through directory traversal exploits. Security hardening practices should also include disabling unnecessary file browsing capabilities and implementing proper file access controls that restrict user access to only authorized directories and files within the application's intended scope.