CVE-2004-2222 in Directory
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in FsPHPGallery before 1.2 allows remote attackers to list arbitrary directories via the dir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2222 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the FsPHPGallery web application version 1.1 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the index.php script where the application fails to properly validate user input passed through the dir parameter. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the directory listing functionality and access arbitrary directories on the server filesystem, potentially exposing sensitive data and system information.
This directory traversal vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to manipulate the dir parameter to navigate beyond the intended directory structure, effectively bypassing access controls and potentially gaining unauthorized access to system files, configuration data, or other sensitive resources. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely through web browser interaction.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple directory listing capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access not only directory structures but potentially sensitive files such as database configuration files, application source code, user credentials, or system configuration details. The exposure of such information could lead to further exploitation opportunities including privilege escalation, data theft, or complete system compromise. Additionally, the vulnerability may enable attackers to discover other applications or services running on the same server, expanding the attack surface and potential impact of the initial breach.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2222 involve implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the FsPHPGallery application. Developers should employ strict parameter validation to ensure that the dir parameter only accepts expected directory paths and rejects any attempts to traverse parent directories using sequences such as "../" or "..\". The recommended approach includes implementing a whitelist validation mechanism that only permits specific, predefined directory paths rather than accepting arbitrary user input. Additionally, the application should be updated to version 1.2 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and secure coding practices. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and access controls to limit exposure and monitor for suspicious directory traversal attempts, aligning with defensive strategies outlined in the mitre attack framework under the technique of path traversal. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments and maintain up-to-date vulnerability management processes to prevent similar issues from occurring in other applications.