CVE-2003-0277 in Happymall
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in normal_html.cgi in Happycgi.com Happymall 4.3 and 4.4 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via .. (dot dot) sequences in the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0277 represents a classic directory traversal flaw that existed within the Happymall e-commerce platform version 4.3 and 4.4. This issue was discovered in the normal_html.cgi script which is part of the Happycgi.com Happymall software suite. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing file requests. When attackers manipulate the file parameter through directory traversal sequences using .. (dot dot) notation, the application fails to restrict access to files outside the intended directory structure, thereby exposing the underlying file system to unauthorized access attempts.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw operates by exploiting the lack of proper input sanitization where the application directly incorporates user-supplied input into file system operations without adequate validation or filtering. The technical implementation allows attackers to construct malicious paths that can navigate upward through the directory hierarchy, potentially accessing sensitive files such as configuration data, database credentials, system files, or other confidential information stored on the server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a fundamental security weakness that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can use this vulnerability to access not only user data but also system configuration files, application source code, and potentially sensitive administrative files that could lead to complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal technical skill to exploit, making it a preferred target for both automated scanning tools and malicious actors seeking to gain unauthorized access to web applications. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments) as attackers can use the discovered files to further their objectives.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that restrict file access to predefined directories. Organizations should implement proper path validation that ensures user-supplied input cannot contain directory traversal sequences or other malicious path components. The most effective approach involves using allowlists of permitted files or directories rather than denylists, combined with proper input encoding and validation. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles can limit the damage that can be caused by such vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other applications, while also ensuring that the application runs with minimal necessary privileges to reduce potential impact from exploitation attempts.