CVE-2004-0050 in Ultraseek
Summary
by MITRE
Verity Ultraseek before 5.2.2 allows remote attackers to obtain the full pathname of the document root via an MS-DOS device name in the web search option, such as (1) NUL, (2) CON, (3) AUX, (4) COM1, (5) COM2, and others.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2019
This vulnerability in Verity Ultraseek versions prior to 5.2.2 represents a directory traversal and information disclosure flaw that stems from inadequate input validation in the web search functionality. The vulnerability specifically manifests when users submit search queries containing Microsoft DOS device names such as NUL, CON, AUX, COM1, and COM2 within the web search option. These device names are typically reserved in Windows operating systems for system devices and should not be processed as regular file paths. The flaw occurs because the application fails to properly sanitize or validate these device names before using them in file system operations, allowing attackers to craft malicious search queries that can reveal the absolute path of the document root directory.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the underlying operating system's handling of device names and file system access patterns. When a search query containing these reserved device names is processed, the application's search engine interprets them as legitimate path components rather than system device identifiers. This misinterpretation allows the system to traverse the file system in unexpected ways, ultimately exposing the complete document root path to remote attackers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it provides attackers with critical path information that can be used for further exploitation attempts, including directory traversal attacks, file inclusion vulnerabilities, or privilege escalation exploits. According to CWE-22, this represents a directory traversal vulnerability where the application allows access to files and directories outside of its intended scope through improper input validation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant information disclosure risk that can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. The exposure of the document root path enables attackers to map the application's file structure and identify potential targets for additional exploits. This information disclosure can lead to cascading security issues where attackers can leverage the revealed paths to access sensitive files, configuration data, or other system resources. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) as it provides attackers with systematic methods to discover file system structures. Furthermore, this weakness can be combined with other vulnerabilities to create more comprehensive attack vectors, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code or gain unauthorized access to the underlying system.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to Verity Ultraseek version 5.2.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization for device names in search queries. Organizations should also implement additional protective measures such as input filtering at the web application level, restricting search functionality to prevent device name injection, and implementing proper access controls for the search interface. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious search queries containing device names. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that search functionality properly validates all user inputs and does not allow system-reserved identifiers to be processed as file paths. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and the need to consider operating system-specific artifacts when designing web applications that interact with file systems.