CVE-2004-1733 in MyDMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in MyDMS 1.4.2 and other versions allows remote registered users to read arbitrary files via .. (dot dot) sequences in the URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1733 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting MyDMS version 1.4.2 and potentially other iterations within the same product line. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's file handling processes, specifically when processing URL parameters containing directory navigation sequences. The flaw enables authenticated users to manipulate file access requests through the use of dot-dot sequences that are commonly employed to navigate file system directories, thereby bypassing intended access controls and potentially exposing sensitive system files to unauthorized retrieval.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates by exploiting the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file system operations. When a remote registered user submits a URL containing .. (dot dot) sequences, the application processes these navigation commands without sufficient validation, allowing the attacker to traverse upward through the directory structure and access files outside of the intended application scope. The vulnerability specifically affects the file retrieval functionality within MyDMS, where user requests for documents or files are processed through URL parameters that are not adequately filtered or escaped before being used in file system calls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access potentially sensitive data including system configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential information stored within the application's directory structure. Since the vulnerability requires only registered user authentication, it represents a significant risk to organizations where user access controls may be insufficiently enforced or where users have elevated privileges within the system. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it can be executed through standard web browser interactions, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise while maintaining a low profile that may evade basic security monitoring systems.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw also corresponds to techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 - File and Directory Discovery tactic, where adversaries seek to enumerate files and directories on compromised systems. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, implementation of proper access controls, and deployment of web application firewalls to filter malicious URL patterns. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure that proper security practices are maintained throughout the software development lifecycle.