CVE-2002-2403 in KF Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in KeyFocus web server 1.0.8 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files for recognized MIME type files via "...", "....", ".....", and other multiple dot sequences.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
The CVE-2002-2403 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the KeyFocus web server version 1.0.8 that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the target system through carefully crafted path traversal sequences. This vulnerability specifically exploits how the web server processes file requests containing multiple dot sequences such as "...", "....", ".....", and similar patterns that should normally be rejected or properly sanitized by the server's file access controls. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and path normalization mechanisms within the web server's file handling routines, allowing malicious users to bypass normal file access restrictions and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, and other protected resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the application layer where the KeyFocus web server fails to properly sanitize user-supplied file paths before processing them. When a remote attacker submits a request containing multiple dot sequences, the server's path resolution algorithm does not adequately detect or block these malicious path traversal attempts. This results in the server interpreting the crafted request as a legitimate file access attempt while actually traversing the file system to retrieve files outside the intended web root directory. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it specifically targets recognized MIME type files, meaning attackers can access files that the server is configured to serve, potentially including sensitive configuration files, log files, or other system resources that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for organizations using KeyFocus web server 1.0.8 as it allows attackers to potentially extract sensitive information from the target system without authentication. The ability to access arbitrary files through recognized MIME type handling means that attackers could obtain database connection strings, administrative credentials, system configuration files, or other sensitive data that could lead to further compromise of the affected system. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and represents a classic path traversal attack pattern that has been documented extensively in cybersecurity literature. The impact is particularly severe given that this vulnerability affects a web server implementation that may be running critical services or hosting sensitive data.
The security implications of CVE-2002-2403 extend beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for further exploitation within the target environment. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they may be able to access system files that could contain credentials, configuration details, or other information that could facilitate additional attacks. This vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and path sanitization in web server implementations, as the flaw could be exploited to gain access to files that should remain protected within the server's directory structure. Organizations should consider implementing network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and access control lists to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability, while the primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the KeyFocus web server software. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1566, which describes the use of malicious file content to gain access to systems, and represents a common attack vector that has been frequently targeted in web application security assessments.