CVE-2004-0405 in CVS
Summary
by MITRE
CVS before 1.11 allows CVS clients to read arbitrary files via .. (dot dot) sequences in filenames via CVS client requests, a different vulnerability than CVE-2004-0180.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0405 represents a directory traversal flaw affecting CVS (Concurrent Versions System) versions prior to 1.11. This weakness allows malicious clients to access files outside of the intended directory structure through the exploitation of dot dot sequences in filename requests. The vulnerability operates at the file system level where CVS client applications fail to properly sanitize or validate filename inputs, enabling attackers to craft requests that traverse parent directories using .. notation. Unlike CVE-2004-0180 which may involve different attack vectors, this specific flaw focuses on client-side manipulation of file paths during CVS operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the CVS client software. When clients process filenames containing .. sequences, the software fails to normalize or restrict path resolution, allowing arbitrary file access. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of path validation and access control. The flaw specifically manifests when CVS client applications receive requests with directory traversal sequences that should be rejected or properly handled by the system. The vulnerability can be exploited during normal CVS operations such as file retrieval, checkout, or update processes where filename parameters are processed without proper sanitization.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to source code repositories and development environments. Attackers could potentially access sensitive configuration files, authentication credentials, system logs, or other confidential data stored on the same server hosting the CVS repository. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it could enable further attacks through the exposure of system files or development artifacts that might contain additional vulnerabilities. Organizations relying on older CVS versions face heightened risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to their software development assets, particularly in environments where CVS serves as the primary version control system.
The security implications of this vulnerability align 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 where the system fails to properly restrict file access to legitimate directories. The vulnerability also intersects with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers discovering file and directory permissions, as attackers could use this flaw to enumerate system resources beyond their intended access scope. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching to CVS version 1.11 or later, implementing proper input validation at the client level, and establishing network segmentation to limit access to CVS servers. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their version control infrastructure and implement monitoring for suspicious file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.