CVE-2004-0465 in Webconnect
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in jretest.html in WebConnect 6.5 and 6.4.4, and possibly earlier versions, allows remote attackers to read keys within arbitrary INI formatted files via "..//" sequences in the WCP_USER parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0465 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the WebConnect web application framework version 6.5 and 6.4.4, with potential impact on earlier releases. This security weakness resides in the jretest.html component which processes user input through the WCP_USER parameter without adequate validation or sanitization. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to exploit improper input handling mechanisms to access arbitrary files on the server filesystem, specifically targeting INI formatted configuration files that often contain sensitive authentication credentials and system parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the "..//" sequence pattern within the WCP_USER parameter to navigate upward through the directory structure and access files outside the intended web root directory. This type of directory traversal attack operates by manipulating file path references to bypass normal access controls and retrieve confidential information stored in configuration files. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and path resolution logic within the WebConnect framework, allowing attackers to construct malicious paths that traverse the filesystem hierarchy. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-22 which describes 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 INI files frequently contain database connection strings, API keys, administrative credentials, and other sensitive configuration data that could compromise entire systems. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to critical system information, potentially leading to further exploitation opportunities including privilege escalation, system compromise, or unauthorized access to backend services. The remote nature of this attack means that exploitation does not require local system access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to untrusted networks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers may use the stolen information to conduct more sophisticated social engineering attacks or lateral movement within compromised networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0465 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the WebConnect framework. Organizations should immediately apply vendor patches or upgrades to versions that address this directory traversal vulnerability, as no effective workarounds exist for the core issue. The implementation of proper path validation should include absolute path resolution, input filtering to prevent traversal sequences, and strict access control enforcement for file system operations. Security measures should also include monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious path traversal attempts. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of configuration files to identify and remove any unnecessary or overly permissive file access permissions that could amplify the impact of successful exploitation attempts.