CVE-2004-0778 in CVS
Summary
by MITRE
CVS 1.11.x before 1.11.17, and 1.12.x before 1.12.9, allows remote attackers to determine the existence of arbitrary files and directories via the -X command for an alternate history file, which causes different error messages to be returned.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0778 affects the Concurrent Versions System (CVS) version control software, specifically targeting releases prior to 1.11.17 in the 1.11.x series and 1.12.9 in the 1.12.x series. This security flaw represents a directory traversal and information disclosure vulnerability that enables remote attackers to perform reconnaissance activities against CVS servers. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of the -X command line option, which is designed to specify alternate history files for CVS operations. When an attacker exploits this weakness, they can manipulate the -X parameter to probe the filesystem structure of the server hosting the CVS repository.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the inconsistent error messaging behavior within CVS when processing the -X command option with crafted input parameters. When CVS encounters a file or directory that exists on the server filesystem, it returns one type of error message, whereas non-existent paths generate different error responses. This differential behavior creates a side-channel information leak that allows attackers to determine whether specific files or directories are present on the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the protocol level, requiring no authentication or privileged access to exploit, and can be executed remotely against any accessible CVS server.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-0778 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to map the underlying filesystem structure of CVS servers. This reconnaissance capability can be leveraged as a precursor to more sophisticated attacks, potentially revealing sensitive directory layouts, file names, and organizational structures within the version control system. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and represents a classic example of how seemingly benign command-line options can create security weaknesses when not properly validated. Attackers can systematically probe the filesystem by sending various -X parameters and analyzing the responses to build a comprehensive map of the target system's file structure.
From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability fits into the reconnaissance phase of the kill chain as described by the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically under technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery). The vulnerability enables attackers to gather intelligence about the target environment without direct system access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where CVS servers may contain sensitive code repositories and configuration files. The lack of authentication requirements for exploitation means that any network-accessible CVS server running vulnerable versions is immediately at risk, potentially exposing organizational intellectual property and system architecture details.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate patching of affected CVS installations to versions 1.11.17 or 1.12.9, which contain the necessary fixes for the -X command handling. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to CVS servers and consider disabling the -X option entirely if it is not required for legitimate operations. Additionally, monitoring for unusual patterns in CVS server logs, particularly around error message variations, can help detect exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of their version control infrastructure to identify other potentially vulnerable systems and ensure that proper access controls and network boundaries are in place to limit the impact of such reconnaissance activities.