CVE-2002-2084 in Portix
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php of Portix 0.4.02 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) l and (2) topic parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2084 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the Portix content management system version 0.4.02. This security weakness resides in the index.php script and specifically affects how the application processes user-supplied input through two distinct parameter fields labeled l and topic. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict directory navigation sequences, allowing malicious actors to exploit the system's file handling capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental behavior of Unix and Windows file systems where the .. (dot dot) sequence represents a directory parent reference. When the Portix application processes these parameters without proper validation, an attacker can manipulate the input to traverse upward through the directory structure and access files that should normally be restricted. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests that include the directory traversal sequences in the affected parameters, making it particularly dangerous due to its simplicity and effectiveness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond mere information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially executable code that could lead to further compromise. An attacker could theoretically access database configuration files, user credentials, system logs, or even application source code that might reveal additional vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that no local system access is required, and the attack can be conducted entirely through network communication, making it highly attractive to malicious actors. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-22 weakness related to improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal.
The attack vector for CVE-2002-2084 aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and credential access domains. Specifically, this vulnerability enables techniques such as credential dumping and file and directory discovery, as attackers can systematically navigate through the file system to locate and extract sensitive information. The vulnerability's exploitation directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1552 (Unsecured Credentials) as it allows for systematic reconnaissance and potential credential harvesting. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Portix face significant risk of data breaches and system compromise when this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2084 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures at the application level. The most effective immediate fix involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects or filters out directory traversal sequences such as .., %2e%2e, or similar encoded variants. Additionally, developers should implement proper access controls and ensure that the application operates with minimal required privileges, following the principle of least privilege. The recommended approach includes implementing a whitelist of allowed parameters and values, as well as employing secure coding practices that prevent user input from directly influencing file system operations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block such traversal attempts, and conduct regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and the potential consequences of failing to properly sanitize user-supplied data in web applications.