CVE-2003-0474 in iWeb Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in iWeb Server allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via an HTTP request containing .. sequences, a different vulnerability than CVE-2003-0475.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0474 represents a directory traversal flaw in iWeb Server software that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation within the web server's file handling mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to manipulate HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the server's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before processing file requests, thereby permitting unauthorized access to files outside the intended web root directory.
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, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw represents a fundamental weakness in input validation and access control mechanisms within the web server implementation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting HTTP requests that include sequences like ../ or ..\ that instruct the server to navigate up directory levels and access files that should remain protected from public access. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can potentially expose sensitive system files, configuration data, database files, and other confidential information that resides outside the web server's designated document root.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-0474 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. Remote attackers can use this vulnerability to read system configuration files, access database files, obtain source code, and potentially gain insights into the underlying system architecture. The vulnerability is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the credential access and defense evasion techniques, specifically mapping to T1078 for Valid Accounts and T1566 for Phishing. This allows attackers to escalate privileges and maintain persistent access to compromised systems while avoiding detection through legitimate access patterns. The vulnerability affects any system running iWeb Server software that fails to properly implement input sanitization and path validation mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this directory traversal vulnerability must address both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization techniques that reject or encode directory traversal sequences in all user-supplied inputs before processing. Web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can be configured to detect and block requests containing suspicious path traversal patterns. The implementation of proper access controls and the principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit file system access to only necessary resources. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in web applications and server configurations. System administrators should also ensure that iWeb Server is updated to the latest version that contains patches addressing this specific directory traversal flaw, as well as maintain comprehensive monitoring and logging of file access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.