CVE-2004-1743 in Easy File Sharing Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Easy File Sharing (EFS) Webserver 1.25 allows remote attackers to view arbitrary files via an HTTP request for the disk_c virtual folder.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1743 affects Easy File Sharing Webserver version 1.25, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the target system. This vulnerability resides within the web server's handling of virtual folder requests, specifically the disk_c virtual folder implementation. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied paths, allowing malicious actors to bypass normal file system restrictions through carefully crafted HTTP requests.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits an HTTP request targeting the disk_c virtual folder with malicious path traversal sequences. The web server processes these requests without adequate validation, permitting access to files outside the intended web root directory. This misconfiguration creates a path traversal condition that aligns with CWE-22, which catalogs improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to navigate the file system hierarchy beyond the designated boundaries, potentially accessing sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information stored on the server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to retrieve critical system files including but not limited to configuration files, database files, application source code, and user credentials stored in plain text. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where such web servers might host sensitive corporate data or serve as entry points for further reconnaissance activities. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers discovering file and directory permissions, and T1566, which addresses credential access through various means including file system enumeration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1743 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and access control measures. System administrators should disable or remove the vulnerable virtual folder functionality until a patched version is deployed, as the affected Easy File Sharing Webserver 1.25 is no longer supported by the vendor. The recommended approach involves implementing strict path validation that prevents traversal sequences from being processed, ensuring that all user inputs are properly sanitized before being used in file system operations. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to web server functionality, particularly for services running on older, unsupported software versions. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other web server implementations, as this class of vulnerability remains prevalent in legacy systems and improperly configured modern applications.