CVE-2004-1715 in MIMEsweeper for Web
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in MIMEsweeper for Web before 5.0.4 allows remote attackers or local users to read arbitrary files via "..\\", "..\", and similar dot dot sequences in the URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2019
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1715 affects MIMEsweeper for Web versions prior to 5.0.4, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized access to sensitive system files. This vulnerability resides in the web application's handling of URL parameters and path resolution mechanisms, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize input containing directory traversal sequences. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate URL paths using sequences such as "..\", which should normally be restricted or filtered by the application's security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the web application's file access routines. When MIMEsweeper for Web processes incoming requests containing directory traversal sequences, it does not adequately sanitize or normalize the path components before attempting to access files on the underlying file system. This allows malicious actors to craft URLs that traverse up directory structures and access files outside of the intended application boundaries. The vulnerability specifically exploits the lack of proper path validation mechanisms that should prevent access to parent directories through sequences like "..\" or similar traversal patterns. This type of flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to access arbitrary files on the system. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read sensitive configuration files, database files, application source code, and potentially system files that contain credentials or other confidential information. Local users with access to the web application can also exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The attack surface includes not only web application files but also system-level files that should remain protected from unauthorized access. This vulnerability can be particularly dangerous when combined with other weaknesses, as it may enable attackers to escalate privileges or access additional system resources that could compromise the overall security posture of the affected system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1715 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web application. Organizations should immediately upgrade to MIMEsweeper for Web version 5.0.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper path normalization and validation techniques can prevent directory traversal attacks by ensuring that all path components are properly validated before file access operations are performed. Security controls should include the implementation of allowlists for valid file paths, the removal of special characters from file paths, and the enforcement of strict access controls that prevent access to sensitive system directories. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and credential access tactics, where attackers use path traversal to gain unauthorized access to system resources and potentially escalate their privileges within the affected environment. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules that specifically target directory traversal patterns to provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities.