CVE-2004-1444 in Roundup
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Roundup 0.6.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to view arbitrary files via .. (dot dot) sequences in an @@ command in an HTTP GET request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1444 represents a classic directory traversal flaw that existed within Roundup 0.6.4 and earlier versions of the issue tracking system. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of path traversal attacks where malicious actors can exploit improper input validation to access files outside of the intended directory structure. The specific weakness manifests when the application processes HTTP GET requests containing @@ commands with .. (dot dot) sequences, allowing unauthorized access to arbitrary files on the server filesystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted HTTP requests that include directory traversal sequences within the @@ command parameter. When Roundup processes these requests without proper sanitization or validation of the input, it fails to prevent the .. sequences from navigating up the directory hierarchy. This allows attackers to traverse beyond the intended document root or application directory boundaries and access sensitive files such as configuration files, source code, or even system files that should remain protected from external access. The vulnerability specifically affects the web interface component of Roundup, making it exploitable through standard HTTP protocols without requiring special privileges or authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with the ability to extract sensitive information from the affected system. Depending on the server configuration and file permissions, an attacker could potentially access database configuration files containing database credentials, application source code revealing implementation details, or system configuration files that might contain additional sensitive information. This information disclosure could lead to further exploitation opportunities including credential compromise, system reconnaissance, or even complete system takeover if the application has elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 0.6.4, representing a substantial attack surface for any organization running these older versions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading to a patched version of Roundup where the directory traversal issue has been resolved through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement strict input validation mechanisms that reject or sanitize any .. sequences in file path parameters, particularly those used in @@ commands or similar file access operations. The implementation of secure coding practices including the use of allowlists for valid file paths and proper parameter validation should be enforced. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be applied by ensuring that the web application runs with minimal necessary permissions and that sensitive files are properly protected through file system permissions. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and relates to ATT&CK technique T1213.002 - Data from Information Repositories, specifically targeting information gathering and credential access phases of an attack lifecycle. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls or intrusion detection systems to monitor and block suspicious requests containing directory traversal sequences.