CVE-2003-1499 in Bytehoard
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in Bytehoard 0.7 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the infolder parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1499 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the Bytehoard 0.7 content management system. This security weakness resides in the index.php script where user input is not properly sanitized before being used to construct file paths. The vulnerability specifically affects the infolder parameter which handles directory navigation requests. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious requests containing .. (dot dot) sequences that manipulate the file system path resolution mechanism. When the application processes these crafted inputs without adequate validation, it allows unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", which is one of the most commonly exploited weaknesses in web applications. The attack vector operates through standard HTTP requests where the malicious payload is embedded within the infolder parameter, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring authentication or special privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive system files that may contain database credentials, configuration settings, application source code, or other confidential data. In the context of web applications, directory traversal vulnerabilities like CVE-2003-1499 can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack techniques. The vulnerability enables attackers to read files that should be restricted to authorized users only, potentially exposing passwords, encryption keys, or other critical system information. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a low-effort, high-impact method for gaining unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through simple web browser requests, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with the technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) when combined with social engineering approaches to deliver malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1499 require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that rejects or filters out directory traversal sequences such as .., %2e%2e, or other encoded variants that could be used to manipulate file paths. The recommended approach involves implementing a whitelist-based validation system that only accepts predefined, safe directory paths rather than allowing arbitrary user input to control file system navigation. Additionally, developers should employ proper file access controls that enforce the principle of least privilege, ensuring that web applications cannot access system directories beyond their intended scope. Security patches should be applied immediately to update the Bytehoard software to versions that address this vulnerability, as the original version 0.7 is no longer supported and lacks security updates. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by detecting and blocking suspicious path traversal patterns in real-time. Organizations should also conduct thorough security testing including penetration testing and code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems within their infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web application security and serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple flaws can have significant consequences when exploited by malicious actors.