CVE-2004-0061 in WWW File Share Pro
Summary
by MITRE
WWW File Share Pro 2.42 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass directory access restrictions via (1) a URL with a trailing . (dot), or (2) a URI with a leading slash or backslash character.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0061 affects WWW File Share Pro version 2.42 and earlier, representing a significant directory traversal security flaw that enables remote attackers to circumvent access controls. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the web server component, specifically in how it processes Uniform Resource Identifiers and file paths. The vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors that exploit path resolution mechanisms within the software's file serving functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on manipulating URL syntax to manipulate the web server's interpretation of file paths. The first vector involves appending a trailing dot character to URLs, which can cause the server to incorrectly resolve directory paths and grant access to files that should otherwise be restricted. The second vector exploits the handling of URI paths that begin with leading slash or backslash characters, allowing attackers to navigate outside the intended document root directory. Both techniques exploit weaknesses in path normalization and access control enforcement mechanisms, effectively bypassing the software's built-in security controls.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability represents a critical security risk that can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive files and directories on the affected server. Attackers can potentially access configuration files, user data, system files, and other confidential information stored within the web server's directory structure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated attacks and malicious actors seeking to compromise web servers running vulnerable versions of WWW File Share Pro. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure to potential system compromise and data exfiltration.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This classification reflects the core issue of inadequate input validation and path resolution handling within the web server software. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 technique for discovering system information and T1566 for credential harvesting, as it provides attackers with access to files that may contain sensitive information. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects a file sharing web server application that may be deployed in enterprise environments where sensitive data is commonly stored and accessed through web interfaces.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately upgrade to a patched version of WWW File Share Pro, as the software vendor has likely released security updates to address these path traversal issues. System administrators should also implement network-level restrictions and access controls to limit exposure, while conducting thorough audits of all web server configurations to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The implementation of proper input validation, path normalization, and access control enforcement mechanisms should be prioritized across all web applications to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and address potential path traversal vulnerabilities in other web server applications and components within the organization's infrastructure.