CVE-2003-1137 in sh-httpd
Summary
by MITRE
Charles Steinkuehler sh-httpd 0.3 and 0.4 allows remote attackers to read files or execute arbitrary CGI scripts via a GET request that contains an asterisk (*) wildcard character.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1137 affects the sh-httpd web server version 0.3 and 0.4, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to exploit file disclosure and arbitrary code execution capabilities through malformed GET requests containing asterisk wildcard characters. This vulnerability resides in the web server's handling of URL parsing and path resolution mechanisms, where the asterisk character is not properly sanitized or validated during request processing. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the web server's interpretation of file paths, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive system files and execution of malicious CGI scripts. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This weakness directly impacts the web server's ability to enforce proper access controls and maintain the integrity of its file system boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a GET request containing an asterisk character that the sh-httpd server fails to properly interpret or sanitize. The asterisk wildcard character, when processed by the vulnerable web server, can cause the server to resolve paths in unexpected ways, potentially allowing access to files outside the intended document root directory. This behavior enables attackers to traverse the file system hierarchy and access protected resources such as configuration files, system credentials, or other sensitive data. The vulnerability also permits execution of arbitrary CGI scripts because the malformed request can bypass normal access controls and trigger the execution of scripts that would otherwise be restricted. The impact is particularly severe as this allows for complete compromise of the web server's file system and potential escalation to system-level access, depending on the server's configuration and privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1137 extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass full system compromise capabilities, making it a particularly dangerous vulnerability in web server environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, potentially including database credentials, user information, or system configuration details that could be used for further attacks. The ability to execute arbitrary CGI scripts provides attackers with a persistent foothold on the compromised system, enabling them to establish backdoors, exfiltrate data, or perform additional malicious activities. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of the web server by undermining its path validation mechanisms and allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where web servers host sensitive applications or store confidential data, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of proper sanitization of user-supplied data in web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1137 should focus on immediate patching of the affected sh-httpd versions, as no reliable workarounds exist for this specific vulnerability. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of sh-httpd or migrate to more modern web server solutions that properly handle path validation and input sanitization. The implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures should be enforced at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly validated before processing. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of defense by detecting and blocking malformed requests containing wildcard characters. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns and potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper access controls in web server implementations, as defined by industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in web server configurations and applications. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch or mitigation does not introduce regressions in legitimate web server functionality while effectively addressing the path traversal vulnerability.