CVE-2004-2047 in Filemanager
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in EasyWeb FileManager 1.0 RC-1 for PostNuke allows remote attackers to retrieve arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the pathext parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2025
The CVE-2004-2047 vulnerability represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the EasyWeb FileManager component of PostNuke version 1.0 RC-1, exposing a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This vulnerability specifically manifests in the pathext parameter handling, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before processing file paths. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate file access patterns by injecting .. (dot dot) sequences into the pathext parameter, effectively bypassing normal directory access controls and potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information stored outside the intended web root directory.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and inadequate path resolution mechanisms within the EasyWeb FileManager module. When the application processes the pathext parameter without proper sanitization, it fails to prevent directory traversal sequences that would normally be blocked by standard file system access controls. This weakness creates a pathway for attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and retrieve files that should remain protected. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through web-based interfaces, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no special privileges or local access to the target system. The flaw aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-2047 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive information such as database connection strings, administrative credentials, application configuration files, and other system artifacts that could facilitate further exploitation. Depending on the system configuration and file permissions, successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent access points within the target environment. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from any location with network access to the affected PostNuke installation, making it particularly attractive for automated scanning and exploitation campaigns. This type of vulnerability commonly maps to ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file discovery activities that attackers use to understand system structures and identify valuable targets for further compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization measures within the affected application. System administrators should ensure that all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used for file path resolution, undergo strict validation to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. The recommended approach includes implementing proper path normalization techniques, establishing strict whitelist validation for acceptable file paths, and ensuring that all file access operations occur within designated safe directories. Additionally, the affected PostNuke installation should be updated to the latest available version that contains patches addressing this vulnerability, as the EasyWeb FileManager component has likely been deprecated or replaced in newer releases. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional protection by monitoring for suspicious path traversal patterns in HTTP requests. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of conducting regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in legacy applications that may not receive ongoing security updates or support from their vendors.