CVE-2004-2565 in Sambar Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Sambar Server 6.1 Beta 2 on Windows, and possibly other versions on Linux, when the administrative IP address restrictions have been modified from the default, allow remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via (1) a "..\" (dot dot backslash) in the file parameter to showini.asp, or (2) an absolute path with drive letter in the log parameter to showlog.asp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2025
The CVE-2004-2565 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Sambar Server 6.1 Beta 2 across Windows and potentially Linux platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the administrative IP address restriction mechanisms that have been modified from their default configurations, creating a dangerous attack surface for authenticated remote adversaries. The flaw exploits the server's insufficient input validation when processing file paths, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve arbitrary files from the underlying file system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages two distinct attack vectors that exploit the server's handling of file parameters in different administrative scripts. The first vector targets the showini.asp script where a "..\" sequence can be injected into the file parameter, enabling attackers to traverse directory structures and access configuration files or other sensitive system resources. The second vector operates through the showlog.asp script, where absolute paths containing drive letters can be passed in the log parameter, allowing for direct access to log files and potentially other system files. Both attack methods rely on the server's failure to properly sanitize user input before processing file system operations, creating a path traversal condition that violates fundamental security principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to potentially sensitive configuration data, log files, and system resources that could be used for further exploitation. Attackers can leverage this access to gather intelligence about the server configuration, identify other potential vulnerabilities, or extract credentials stored in configuration files. The fact that these vulnerabilities are accessible through authenticated sessions means that an attacker who has gained valid credentials can escalate their privileges and access system resources that should normally be restricted. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where administrative access has been modified from default settings, as the security controls that would normally prevent such access are compromised.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability fits within the attack patterns categorized under the ATT&CK framework as part of the Credential Access and Defense Evasion domains. The attack requires minimal technical sophistication but can yield significant rewards in terms of system access and information gathering. Organizations running affected Sambar Server versions should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, proper path sanitization, and restoration of default security configurations. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of least privilege principles and proper access control implementation, as the flaw only exists when administrative restrictions have been modified from default settings, indicating that proper security hardening practices were not followed.