CVE-2004-2445 in Jaws
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in Jaws 0.3 BETA allows remote attackers to view arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the gadget parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2445 represents a classic directory traversal flaw in the Jaws 0.3 BETA web application framework. This issue specifically affects the index.php file where the gadget parameter fails to properly validate user input, creating an opportunity for attackers to access arbitrary files on the server. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms that allow malicious users to manipulate file paths through the gadget parameter by utilizing directory traversal sequences such as .. to navigate upward in the file system hierarchy. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates entirely through HTTP requests without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any remote attacker with knowledge of the vulnerable application structure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences within the gadget parameter of the index.php script. By appending .. sequences to the parameter value, an attacker can bypass normal file access controls and potentially access sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, or system files that should remain protected from web-based access. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for arbitrary file reading, meaning that an attacker can potentially retrieve any file that the web server process has read permissions for, including system configuration files, application source code, or even user data. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can potentially lead to further exploitation opportunities, including privilege escalation or system compromise, depending on what files are accessible through the vulnerable path traversal mechanism.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-2445 demonstrates the critical nature of input validation failures in web applications, particularly those running older or less secure frameworks. This vulnerability can result in significant data exposure and potential system compromise, especially in environments where the web application has access to sensitive system resources. The attack surface is broad as any web application using Jaws 0.3 BETA or similar vulnerable code patterns could be affected, making this a widespread concern for organizations that have not updated their web applications. The vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the initial access and privilege escalation categories, where adversaries can leverage directory traversal to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. Organizations may also face compliance violations and regulatory penalties if sensitive data is exposed through such vulnerabilities, particularly in industries governed by standards like pci dss or hipaa that mandate proper data protection measures.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application code. The primary defense involves ensuring that all user-supplied input, particularly parameters used in file operations, undergoes strict validation to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. This includes implementing proper path normalization, using allowlists of acceptable values, and ensuring that file access operations are restricted to predetermined directories. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and privilege separation to limit what files the web application can access, reducing the potential impact of any successful traversal attempts. Additionally, regular security code reviews and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar patterns in other parts of the application or related codebases. The remediation process requires immediate patching of the affected Jaws framework version, but organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems as additional layers of protection to monitor and block suspicious traversal attempts. Regular updates to web application frameworks and components remain essential to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities like this one.