CVE-2003-0505 in NetMeeting
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Microsoft NetMeeting 3.01 2000 before SP4 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via "..\.." (dot dot) sequences in a file transfer request.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0505 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Microsoft NetMeeting 3.01 for Windows 2000 systems prior to Service Pack 4. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize file path requests during file transfer operations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes file transfer requests containing "..\.." sequences, which are standard directory traversal patterns used to navigate up directory hierarchies. This flaw allows malicious actors to bypass normal file access controls and potentially access sensitive system files, configuration data, or user documents that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability operates through the manipulation of file path parameters within NetMeeting's file transfer protocol handling. When a remote attacker submits a file transfer request containing directory traversal sequences, the application fails to validate the legitimacy of these path components, allowing the attacker to specify arbitrary file paths that can traverse beyond the intended directory boundaries. This type of 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 attacks. The flaw essentially enables attackers to craft malicious file transfer requests that can access files located anywhere within the file system, potentially leading to information disclosure, system compromise, or further attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive system resources that may contain credentials, configuration files, or other valuable data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read system files, potentially including registry hives, configuration files, or even user documents stored on the system. The vulnerability affects Microsoft NetMeeting 3.01 installations on Windows 2000 systems before SP4, representing a significant risk for organizations that have not applied the necessary security updates. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers discovering file and directory permissions, as the traversal capability can be used to identify system file locations and access patterns. The attack surface is particularly concerning for enterprise environments where NetMeeting may be used for remote collaboration, as it could enable lateral movement or privilege escalation if system files containing sensitive information are accessed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0505 primarily focus on applying the appropriate Microsoft security patches and updates, specifically Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 and subsequent security updates. Organizations should immediately implement the security patches released by Microsoft to address this vulnerability and ensure all systems are properly updated. Network segmentation and access control measures can help reduce the attack surface by limiting network access to NetMeeting services and implementing proper firewall rules. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling NetMeeting services entirely if they are not required for business operations, as this eliminates the attack vector entirely. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file transfer patterns and directory traversal attempts within network traffic. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in application design, as the flaw could have been prevented through robust path validation and proper access control mechanisms. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in legacy systems and applications that may be running in production environments.