CVE-2004-2464 in Imgsvr
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in ADA Image Server (ImgSvr) 0.4 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files or list directories via hex-encoded "..//" sequences ("%2e%2e%2f%2f"). NOTE: it was later reported that 0.6.21 and earlier is also affected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2025
The CVE-2004-2464 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in ADA Image Server version 0.4 and subsequent versions up to 0.6.21. This vulnerability enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files and directories on the affected system through carefully crafted hex-encoded sequences that represent parent directory references. The specific exploitation technique involves using "%2e%2e%2f%2f" sequences which decode to "..//" and allow attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input validation and file access control mechanisms within the image server software.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input in the image server's file handling routines. When the server processes requests containing the encoded directory traversal sequences, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it to construct file paths. This allows an attacker to manipulate the file access operations and potentially gain access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or other resources that should remain restricted. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer and does not require any special privileges or authentication to exploit. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform reconnaissance activities, extract sensitive information, or potentially escalate their privileges within the system. The attack vector is typically initiated through HTTP requests that contain the malicious encoded sequences in parameters or file paths.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-2464 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks within the compromised environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially access system configuration files, database files, or other sensitive data stored on the server. The vulnerability also poses a risk for information disclosure attacks, where attackers can enumerate directories and extract sensitive information from the server's file system. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory listing, and T1566, which addresses credential access through various means. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the image server handles sensitive data or where the server operates with elevated privileges, as it could potentially lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2464 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the image server software. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of ADA Image Server, as the vulnerability affects multiple versions and has been documented as a persistent issue. System administrators should implement proper access controls and file permission settings to limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation rules can help detect and prevent the exploitation of such directory traversal attacks. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and monitoring for unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and the potential consequences of inadequate security controls in web applications, particularly those handling file operations.