CVE-2004-1543 in Korweblog
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in viewimg.php in KorWeblog 1.6.2-cvs and earlier allows remote attackers to list arbitrary directories via a .. (dot dot) in the path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1543 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the KorWeblog content management system version 1.6.2-cvs and earlier. This weakness resides within the viewimg.php script which fails to properly validate or sanitize user input parameters, specifically the path parameter that controls file access operations. The vulnerability enables malicious actors to manipulate the application's file handling mechanisms by injecting directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw demonstrates how insufficient input validation can lead to unauthorized access to system resources beyond the intended scope of the application. The vulnerability exists because the application does not properly sanitize the path parameter before using it in file operations, allowing attackers to navigate through the file system hierarchy.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows remote attackers to enumerate arbitrary directories on the server hosting the KorWeblog application. An attacker could potentially access sensitive files, configuration data, or system files that should remain protected from unauthorized access. This capability extends beyond simple directory listing to potentially enable further exploitation including code execution, data theft, or system compromise depending on the server configuration and file permissions. The remote nature of the attack means that no local system access is required, making it particularly dangerous for web applications.
The security implications extend to potential exploitation through various attack vectors outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques such as T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing). Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to discover system architecture, identify sensitive files, or extract confidential information from the compromised system. The vulnerability also represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, where the application grants excessive file system access based on user input without proper validation. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms, utilize secure coding practices that prevent path traversal attacks, and regularly update their web applications to address known vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and access controls can provide additional layers of protection against such directory traversal exploits.