CVE-2002-1982 in Icecast
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the list_directory function in Icecast 1.3.12 allows remote attackers to determine if a directory exists via a .. (dot dot) in the GET request, which returns different error messages depending on whether the directory exists or not.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1982 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the Icecast media streaming server version 1.3.12. This issue specifically affects the list_directory function which processes incoming GET requests to enumerate directory contents. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the server's directory listing mechanism, allowing malicious actors to exploit the system's response handling to infer the existence of specific directories on the server filesystem. The vulnerability operates by crafting HTTP GET requests containing directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, which is a well-known technique for navigating file system paths. When the server processes these malformed requests, it responds with distinct error messages that reveal whether the requested directory path exists or not, effectively creating a directory enumeration mechanism that can be exploited by remote attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the server's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before processing directory listing requests. The list_directory function does not adequately filter or normalize path components in the GET request parameters, allowing the .. sequences to pass through the validation checks. This design flaw aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear lack of input sanitization and proper access control mechanisms within the server's file system interaction layer. When an attacker sends a GET request containing .. sequences, the server's response behavior differs based on whether the directory exists, creating a timing-based information disclosure channel that can be systematically exploited to map the server's directory structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance data that can be used to plan more sophisticated attacks. The ability to determine directory existence enables attackers to identify sensitive directories such as configuration files, log files, or potentially vulnerable application components. This information disclosure can serve as a foundation for subsequent attacks including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities present in the identified directories. The vulnerability affects the availability and confidentiality aspects of the system's security posture, as it allows unauthorized access to directory structures that should remain hidden from external users. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability represents a low-effort, high-value reconnaissance primitive that can significantly reduce the attack surface analysis required for more complex exploitation attempts.
The implications of this vulnerability align with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1592 (Gather Victim Host Information). The attack pattern demonstrates how simple input manipulation can lead to information disclosure that enables further compromise. Organizations using affected versions of Icecast should consider implementing input validation mechanisms that properly sanitize path components and normalize file paths before processing directory requests. The recommended mitigations include upgrading to patched versions of Icecast, implementing proper input validation and sanitization, and configuring the server to reject or normalize path traversal sequences in incoming requests. Additionally, network-level filtering and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious GET request patterns containing directory traversal sequences, providing an additional layer of defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in web applications and server software, particularly in systems that handle file system operations and directory listings.