CVE-2004-0696 in WebSTAR
Summary
by MITRE
The ShellExample.cgi script in 4D WebSTAR 5.3.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to list arbitrary directories via a URL with the desired path and a "*" (asterisk) character.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0696 resides within the ShellExample.cgi script component of 4D WebSTAR versions 5.3.2 and earlier, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to enumerate arbitrary filesystem directories. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the web server's CGI script implementation, allowing malicious actors to exploit a simple URL parameter manipulation technique. The vulnerability specifically manifests when a user crafts a URL containing an asterisk character followed by a desired directory path, which the vulnerable script processes without proper authorization checks or path validation mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of wildcard characters within the CGI script's directory listing functionality. When the ShellExample.cgi script encounters a URL parameter containing an asterisk followed by a directory path, it fails to validate whether the requested access falls within authorized boundaries or if the attacker possesses proper permissions to enumerate the specified directory structure. This lack of proper access control and input sanitization creates a direct pathway for attackers to traverse the filesystem hierarchy and retrieve directory listings from locations they should not be permitted to access. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard web browser interactions without requiring special privileges or authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with comprehensive directory enumeration capabilities that can reveal sensitive system structures and potentially expose critical files or directories. An attacker can systematically traverse the filesystem to identify configuration files, source code repositories, backup files, and other potentially sensitive resources that might contain credentials, application logic, or system information. This directory traversal capability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and represents a classic example of path traversal vulnerabilities that have plagued web applications for decades. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file discovery activities, enabling attackers to gather intelligence about the target system's structure and potentially identify additional attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and access control measures within the affected CGI script. System administrators should upgrade to patched versions of 4D WebSTAR that address this directory traversal flaw, as the vendor has likely released security updates to resolve the issue. Additionally, implementing proper path validation that prevents wildcard character processing in directory listing functions, enforcing strict access controls on CGI script execution, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious URL patterns will significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable CGI scripts or web applications within their infrastructure that might exhibit similar directory traversal characteristics, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader architectural security weaknesses that require comprehensive remediation approaches.