CVE-2003-1180 in Advanced Poll
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Advanced Poll 2.0.2 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files or inject arbitrary local PHP files via .. sequences in the base_path or pollvars[lang] parameters to the admin files (1) index.php, (2) admin_tpl_new.php, (3) admin_tpl_misc_new.php, (4) admin_templates_misc.php, (5) admin_templates.php, (6) admin_stats.php, (7) admin_settings.php, (8) admin_preview.php, (9) admin_password.php, (10) admin_logout.php, (11) admin_license.php, (12) admin_help.php, (13) admin_embed.php, (14) admin_edit.php, or (15) admin_comment.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2017
The CVE-2003-1180 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in Advanced Poll 2.0.2 that exposes multiple administrative interface files to remote code execution and arbitrary file access. This vulnerability operates through the manipulation of path traversal sequences using the .. (dot-dot) notation within the base_path or pollvars[lang] parameters. The affected files include a comprehensive suite of administrative components such as index.php, admin_tpl_new.php, and various other administrative scripts that handle template management, statistics, settings, and user authentication. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's file handling mechanisms, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access sensitive system files. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects multiple administrative endpoints, providing attackers with extensive access to the application's backend functionality.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires attackers to craft malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences in the specified parameters, enabling them to read arbitrary files from the server filesystem or inject local PHP code into the application. When an attacker manipulates the base_path or pollvars[lang] parameters with sequences like ../../../etc/passwd, they can bypass normal file access controls and retrieve sensitive information such as system configuration files, user credentials, or application source code. The attack vector is particularly effective because it targets administrative interfaces that typically have elevated privileges and access to critical system resources. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) as attackers can use this flaw to discover system files and potentially gain deeper access to the target environment. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the ability to inject local PHP files provides attackers with persistent access to the application's execution environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1180 is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to completely compromise the affected system. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to administrative functions, data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and ultimately full system control. The vulnerability affects the entire Advanced Poll application suite, making it a high-value target for attackers seeking to compromise web applications. Organizations running this version of Advanced Poll face significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized modifications to web content, and potential use as a foothold for further network penetration. The vulnerability's persistence stems from its fundamental flaw in input handling, which means that simply updating the application to a patched version is typically required to eliminate the risk. This flaw demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security. The vulnerability also highlights the need for regular security assessments and patch management processes, as the affected version was released in 2003, indicating that legacy applications may continue to harbor such critical flaws. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability could be leveraged as part of broader attack chains, potentially leading to privilege escalation or lateral movement within compromised networks. The attack surface is particularly concerning for organizations with outdated web applications, as such vulnerabilities often remain unpatched for extended periods, providing attackers with prolonged opportunities for exploitation.