CVE-2003-0475 in iWeb Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in iWeb Server 2 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via an HTTP request containing URL-encoded .. sequences ("%5c%2e%2e"), a different vulnerability than CVE-2003-0474.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0475 represents a directory traversal flaw in iWeb Server 2 that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the target system through carefully crafted HTTP requests. This issue specifically manifests when the server processes URL-encoded sequences containing double dots and backslashes, particularly the pattern "%5c%2e%2e" which translates to a backslash followed by two dots in URL encoding. Unlike CVE-2003-0474 which addressed similar traversal issues, this vulnerability operates through a distinct mechanism involving the specific encoding pattern mentioned in the description. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the server's insufficient input validation and path resolution mechanisms. When iWeb Server 2 receives an HTTP request containing the encoded sequence "%5c%2e%2e", it fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before processing file access requests. This allows attackers to manipulate the file path resolution logic to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access files that should remain protected. The vulnerability specifically targets the server's handling of URL-encoded characters and demonstrates a lack of proper input sanitization that permits attackers to bypass normal file access controls through crafted malicious requests.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security risks to organizations using iWeb Server 2, as it allows remote attackers to potentially access sensitive files such as configuration data, user information, application source code, or other confidential resources stored on the server. The impact extends beyond simple file access, as attackers could potentially gain insights into the server's internal structure, discover sensitive information, or even execute further attacks based on the discovered data. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access or local privileges to exploit this weakness, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web servers. This vulnerability directly maps to the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of "Path Traversal" with the specific identifier T1083, which covers the discovery of files and directories.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of iWeb Server 2, implementing proper input validation mechanisms, and configuring the server to reject or properly sanitize URL-encoded sequences containing directory traversal patterns. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure, while regular security audits should monitor for similar vulnerabilities in other server components. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious requests containing the specific encoded sequences that trigger this vulnerability. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing to ensure that the server properly handles all forms of input validation and that no other similar traversal vulnerabilities exist within the system's architecture.