CVE-2002-2229 in WebReflex
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Sapio Design Ltd. WebReflex 1.53 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. in an HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2229 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the WebReflex 1.53 web application developed by Sapio Design Ltd. This security weakness enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by exploiting improper input validation mechanisms in HTTP requests. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied input containing directory traversal sequences such as ".." which are commonly used to navigate up directory levels in file systems.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the broader category of CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is classified as a common weakness in software security practices. The flaw exists due to insufficient validation of the .. sequence in HTTP requests, allowing attackers to bypass normal file access controls and potentially retrieve sensitive information from the underlying file system. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in input sanitization and path validation within the web application's request processing logic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to potentially sensitive files stored on the web server. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to read configuration files, source code, database files, or other confidential data that should remain restricted. The remote nature of the attack means that no local system access is required, making the exploitation relatively straightforward and accessible to any internet-connected attacker. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete system compromise if sensitive files containing credentials or system configurations are accessible.
The attack vector for CVE-2002-2229 operates through standard HTTP requests that include directory traversal sequences in their parameters or paths. When the vulnerable web application processes these requests without proper input validation, it allows the .. sequences to be interpreted as legitimate navigation commands, thereby enabling access to files outside the intended web root directory. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as attackers could potentially use this weakness to gain access to sensitive files that might contain credentials or other exploitable information. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, as it enables unauthorized file system enumeration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The primary defense involves ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly validated and that directory traversal sequences are either rejected or properly normalized before processing. Organizations should implement proper path validation that prevents access to parent directories and enforce strict access controls on web application resources. Additionally, regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can also help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and proper access control mechanisms in web application security, aligning with industry best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other security frameworks that emphasize the need for secure coding practices to prevent such fundamental flaws.