CVE-2004-2628 in thttpd
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in thttpd 2.07 beta 0.4, when running on Windows, allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a URL that contains (1) a hex-encoded backslash dot-dot sequence ("%5C..") or (2) a drive letter (such as "C:").
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2628 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in thttpd version 2.07 beta 0.4 when operating on windows platforms. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path handling mechanisms within the web server implementation, allowing malicious actors to bypass normal file access restrictions and retrieve arbitrary files from the underlying operating system. The flaw specifically affects the way the server processes URL requests containing specially crafted directory traversal sequences, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure and potential system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits two distinct attack vectors that leverage the operating system's file path interpretation mechanisms. The first vector involves hex-encoded backslash dot-dot sequences using the encoding "%5C.." where the percent-encoding represents a backslash character followed by directory traversal notation. The second vector utilizes drive letter specifications such as "C:" within the URL path to manipulate the file system access controls. Both approaches bypass the intended security boundaries of the web server by manipulating how the application interprets file paths, effectively allowing attackers to navigate outside the designated document root directory and access sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information that should remain protected from remote access.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security risks to systems running the affected thttpd version on windows environments. Attackers can leverage these directory traversal capabilities to access sensitive files including configuration files that may contain database credentials, application secrets, or system administration details. The potential for information disclosure extends beyond simple file reading to include possible privilege escalation opportunities if the web server process runs with elevated permissions. Additionally, the vulnerability could enable attackers to discover system layout information, identify other services running on the system, or access files that might contain exploitable data or system artifacts that could facilitate further attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and CWE-352 Cross-Site Request Forgery categories, representing a classic path traversal attack that exploits insufficient input validation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access through the use of directory traversal to obtain sensitive information. The attack pattern follows T1083 File and Directory Discovery and T1566 Phishing, as attackers can use the information gathered to craft more targeted attacks or escalate privileges within the compromised system. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where legacy web servers are still operational.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and path normalization. System administrators should upgrade to a patched version of thttpd that properly handles directory traversal sequences and implements robust input sanitization mechanisms. The implementation of proper path validation should ensure that all file access requests are normalized and that any attempt to traverse directories beyond the intended scope is rejected. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to web servers and implement proper access controls. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other web server implementations and ensure that input validation mechanisms are properly configured across all applications processing user-supplied data.