CVE-2002-2131 in Perl-HTTPd
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Perl-HTTPd before 1.0.2 allows remote attackers to view arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in an unknown argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2131 represents a classic directory traversal flaw in the Perl-HTTPd web server software prior to version 1.0.2. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw exists in how the web server processes user-supplied input containing directory traversal sequences, particularly the ".." (dot dot) notation that is fundamental to Unix and Windows file system navigation. When an attacker crafts a malicious request containing these traversal sequences, the web server fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before processing file system operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to access files outside the intended web root directory by manipulating the input parameter that handles file requests. The affected Perl-HTTPd software does not adequately validate or sanitize user-provided arguments that could contain directory traversal sequences, enabling attackers to navigate upward through the file system hierarchy. This flaw typically occurs in the request handling code where the application directly uses user input to construct file paths without proper input validation or canonicalization. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to access sensitive files such as configuration files, system files, or other restricted resources that should not be accessible through the web interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-2131 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise if attackers can access critical system files or configuration data. In the context of the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to the T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) technique, as attackers can systematically enumerate and access files on the target system. The vulnerability also relates to T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments) when attackers use this access to retrieve system credentials, configuration files, or other sensitive data that could be used for further attacks. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Perl-HTTPd face significant risks, as this flaw can be exploited without authentication and can be automated, making it a preferred target for automated scanning tools and exploit frameworks.
The remediation for this vulnerability requires immediate patching of the Perl-HTTPd software to version 1.0.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Security practitioners should implement input validation at multiple layers including application-level filtering of directory traversal sequences, proper canonicalization of file paths, and implementing 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 suspicious directory traversal patterns, and establish proper access controls that limit the privileges of the web server process to prevent escalation of privileges even if the vulnerability is exploited. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other security standards that emphasize the need for proper sanitization of all user-supplied data before processing.