CVE-2004-0577 in Wingate
Summary
by MITRE
wingate 5.2.3 build 901 and 6.0 beta 2 build 942 and other versions such as 5.0.5 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files from the root directory via a url request to the wingate-internal directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0577 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Wingate proxy software versions 5.2.3 build 901, 6.0 beta 2 build 942, and other variants. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw exists in the web interface of Wingate's internal directory handling mechanism, specifically within the wingate-internal endpoint that processes URL requests. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URL requests that bypass normal file access controls and gain unauthorized access to files located in the root directory of the server where Wingate is installed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the web server component of Wingate. When users submit URL requests to the wingate-internal directory, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters that specify file paths. This allows attackers to use special characters such as double dots and forward slashes to navigate upward in the directory structure beyond the intended access boundaries. The vulnerability specifically targets the internal web interface that serves as a management portal for the proxy server, making it particularly dangerous as it provides access to system files that could contain sensitive configuration data, authentication credentials, or other system information. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring any authentication credentials, making it especially severe for systems accessible over the internet.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to access critical system files that could contain sensitive data or system configuration details. Remote attackers can potentially retrieve system files such as password hashes, configuration files containing database credentials, or other sensitive information that could be used for further attacks. The vulnerability affects not just the immediate system where Wingate is installed but could also compromise the entire network infrastructure if the proxy server is used as a gateway to other systems. This represents a significant risk to organizations relying on Wingate for network security, as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the proxy server's access controls and could lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the proxy server is exposed to untrusted networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected Wingate versions, as the issue was resolved in subsequent releases. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the Wingate web interface, particularly restricting access to the internal directory endpoints. Network access controls should be configured to prevent unauthorized users from reaching the vulnerable web interface, and firewall rules should be implemented to block access to the wingate-internal directory. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their proxy server configurations to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The implementation of input validation controls at the application level and proper path normalization should be enforced to prevent similar directory traversal attacks. Regular security monitoring and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to detect and remediate similar issues in other systems within the organization's infrastructure. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper access controls for web applications, particularly those serving administrative functions. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the need for comprehensive security testing of network infrastructure components.