CVE-2003-1297 in Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Easy File Sharing (EFS) Web Server 1.2 stores the (1) option.ini (aka options.ini) file and (2) log directory under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information including an SMTP account username and password hash, the server configuration, and server log files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1297 represents a critical misconfiguration issue within the Easy File Sharing Web Server version 1.2 that exposes sensitive system components through inadequate access controls. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper access control mechanisms, as defined by CWE-284. The flaw manifests when the web server application fails to properly secure configuration files and log directories that are stored within the web root directory structure, creating an attack surface that allows unauthorized remote access to critical system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to enforce proper directory permissions and access restrictions for sensitive files. The option.ini file, also known as options.ini, contains critical server configuration parameters that are typically protected from unauthorized access. Additionally, the log directory structure stores server logs that may contain sensitive information including authentication credentials, system activities, and operational details that could be exploited by malicious actors. These files are stored directly under the web root directory without appropriate access controls, making them accessible through standard web requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with comprehensive insights into the server's operational environment. The exposure of SMTP account credentials in hash format allows attackers to potentially perform password reuse attacks or conduct offline password cracking attempts. Server configuration files may reveal network topology details, service configurations, and other operational parameters that could be leveraged for further exploitation. The log files could contain sensitive operational data, including user activities, system errors, and potentially other credential information that could be used to escalate privileges or conduct targeted attacks.
The attack surface created by this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1552 (Unsecured Credentials) as attackers can systematically enumerate and access sensitive files through standard web access mechanisms. This vulnerability represents a classic example of poor security by design where the application architecture fails to implement proper access control boundaries between public web content and private system files. The lack of proper file permission controls and directory isolation creates a fundamental security weakness that violates basic security principles of least privilege and principle of least privilege enforcement.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper file access controls and directory structure reorganization. The most effective remediation involves moving sensitive configuration files and log directories outside of the web root hierarchy and implementing strict access controls using proper file permissions and directory access controls. Organizations should implement web server configuration changes that prevent direct access to sensitive directories and files through the web interface. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that no sensitive files remain accessible through web-based interfaces, and automated monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive directories. The implementation of proper logging and monitoring mechanisms can help detect exploitation attempts and provide forensic evidence for incident response activities.