CVE-2004-0293 in ShopCartCGI
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in ShopCartCGI 2.3 allows remote attackers to retrieve arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in a HTTP request to (1) gotopage.cgi or (2) genindexpage.cgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0293 represents a classic directory traversal flaw affecting ShopCartCGI version 2.3, specifically targeting two critical CGI scripts: gotopage.cgi and genindexpage.cgi. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation within the web application's file handling mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to manipulate HTTP requests through the use of directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the absence of proper sanitization for user-supplied input that is directly incorporated into file path resolution operations, creating a pathway for unauthorized file access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the parameters passed to the affected CGI scripts. Attackers can construct malicious HTTP requests containing sequences such as ..%2F or ../ that, when processed by the vulnerable application, result in directory traversal operations. The underlying flaw resides in the application's failure to implement proper path validation, allowing the web server to resolve paths that extend beyond the intended document root directory. This weakness directly corresponds to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access arbitrary files on the web server's filesystem. This includes potentially sensitive configuration files, database files, user credentials, and other confidential data that may be stored within the web server's directory structure. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially escalate their privileges within the compromised system. From an adversarial perspective, this weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which focuses on discovering system information through directory and file enumeration, and T1566, which encompasses social engineering tactics involving the exploitation of web applications to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical sophistication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers with basic web exploitation knowledge. The affected CGI scripts serve as entry points where user input directly influences file system operations without adequate sanitization, creating a direct pathway for attackers to access files outside the intended web root. Organizations running ShopCartCGI 2.3 should consider immediate remediation through input validation, proper path normalization, and implementation of secure coding practices that prevent user-controllable data from influencing file system operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in web applications, particularly those handling user-supplied data that may influence file system operations.