CVE-2004-0303 in PassWD
Summary
by MITRE
OWLS 1.0 allows remote attackers to retrieve arbitrary files via absolute pathnames in (1) the file parameter in /glossaries/index.php, (2) the filename parameter in /readings/index.php, or (3) the filename parameter in /multiplechoice/resultsignore.php, as demonstrated using /etc/passwd.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2025
This vulnerability exists in OWLS 1.0, a web-based learning management system that suffers from insecure direct object reference flaws in its file handling mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests through three distinct attack vectors within the application's core components, all of which permit unauthorized file access through manipulation of input parameters. Attackers can exploit these weaknesses by supplying absolute pathnames in specific parameter fields, effectively bypassing normal access controls and gaining read access to arbitrary files on the server filesystem.
The technical flaw resides in the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user input parameters before processing file operations. In the first instance, the file parameter in /glossaries/index.php accepts absolute pathnames without proper validation, while the second and third instances involve the filename parameter in /readings/index.php and /multiplechoice/resultsignore.php respectively. These parameters directly influence file system operations without adequate input sanitization, creating a classic path traversal vulnerability that allows attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote attackers to access sensitive system files that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The demonstration using /etc/passwd illustrates the potential for accessing critical system information including user accounts, password hashes, and other sensitive data that could be leveraged for further attacks. This vulnerability essentially provides an attacker with a backdoor to the underlying operating system, potentially exposing database credentials, application configuration files, and other sensitive information that could compromise the entire system.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-23 Relative Path Traversal, representing a fundamental failure in input validation and access control mechanisms. The attack pattern follows typical ATT&CK techniques under T1083 File and Directory Discovery and T1566 Phishing, where attackers first discover system files and then potentially use the information for further exploitation. Organizations using OWLS 1.0 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and implementing proper access controls that restrict file access to authorized users only. Additionally, the application should be updated to properly validate file paths and reject any input containing absolute paths or path traversal sequences to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web applications and highlights the need for defense-in-depth strategies that include proper file access controls, regular security assessments, and timely patch management. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous file access patterns and establish proper network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The presence of this vulnerability in a learning management system particularly raises concerns about student and institutional data protection, as the exposed files could contain sensitive academic information, personal details, and system configurations that could be exploited for identity theft or further system compromise.