CVE-2003-0338 in Daemon
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in WsMp3 daemon (WsMp3d) 0.0.10 and earlier allows remote attackers to read and execute arbitrary files via .. (dot dot) sequences in HTTP GET or POST requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0338 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the WsMp3 daemon version 0.0.10 and earlier implementations. This security weakness resides in the web server component responsible for serving multimedia content and processing HTTP requests. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input received through HTTP GET or POST methods, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths through directory traversal sequences using the ".." notation. This vulnerability directly impacts the application's ability to enforce proper file access controls and maintain secure file system boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the WsMp3d daemon's request processing pipeline. When the daemon receives HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences, it fails to properly sanitize or canonicalize the file paths before attempting to access system files. This allows attackers to navigate outside the intended document root directory and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard web browser interfaces or automated scanning tools. The flaw essentially permits path traversal attacks where the attacker can specify file paths that resolve to sensitive system files, configuration data, or executable binaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities. Attackers can leverage this weakness to read system configuration files, access sensitive user data, or potentially execute malicious code on the affected system. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected service by allowing unauthorized access to system resources. Depending on the system configuration and file permissions, this could lead to complete system compromise or data breaches. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely through standard HTTP protocols, making it highly exploitable in network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0338 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the WsMp3d application. The most effective approach involves implementing strict path validation that rejects or normalizes directory traversal sequences before processing file requests. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of the WsMp3 daemon where available, as this vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases. Network segmentation and firewall rules can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by restricting access to the affected service. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 directory traversal weakness and represents a common pattern exploited in web application attacks. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this maps to techniques involving path traversal and privilege escalation, with potential progression toward remote code execution and system compromise. Regular security assessments and input validation testing should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other applications.