CVE-2003-0076 in dcgui
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in the directory parser for Direct Connect 4 Linux (dcgui) before 0.2.2 allows remote attackers to read files outside the sharelist.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0076 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Direct Connect 4 Linux implementation known as dcgui version 0.2.1 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the directory parser component responsible for handling file sharing operations within the Direct Connect network protocol. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file system access paths, allowing malicious actors to exploit the software's file handling routines.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. In the context of dcgui, the vulnerability occurs when the application processes directory listings or file requests without sufficient validation of user-supplied paths. Attackers can craft malicious directory requests that bypass normal sharelist restrictions, potentially accessing files outside the intended directory structure. This occurs because the application fails to properly canonicalize or sanitize path references, allowing special characters like ../ or ..\ to be interpreted as navigation commands rather than literal path components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it represents a fundamental security flaw in the file sharing infrastructure. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive files that should remain protected within the sharelist boundaries, potentially including configuration files, user credentials, system logs, or other confidential data. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Direct Connect networks typically operate in environments where users share personal files and system resources, making the exposure of additional file system content a serious security risk. This vulnerability effectively undermines the trust model of the file sharing protocol by allowing arbitrary file system access.
The exploitation of CVE-2003-0076 demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of "Path Traversal" within the privilege escalation and persistence domains. This vulnerability enables attackers to move laterally within the network by accessing files that may contain system information, user credentials, or other sensitive data that could facilitate further compromise. The impact is particularly severe in environments where dcgui is used for file sharing, as it allows attackers to potentially access not only user files but also system configuration data that could be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. Organizations using this software without proper patching are vulnerable to data exfiltration and system reconnaissance activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on implementing proper input validation and path sanitization within the application's file handling routines. The most effective solution involves upgrading to dcgui version 0.2.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the directory traversal flaw. Additionally, system administrators should implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the Direct Connect service, employ proper file system permissions to restrict access to sensitive directories, and consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file access patterns. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices such as input validation, output encoding, and privilege separation, which are fundamental requirements in security standards like ISO 27001 and NIST SP 800-53 that emphasize secure software development lifecycle practices.