CVE-2004-2640 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in lstat.cgi in LinuxStat before 2.3.1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via (1) .. (dot dot) sequences or (2) absolute paths to the template parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2640 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the LinuxStat web application version 2.3.1 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the lstat.cgi component which is responsible for handling web requests related to system statistics and monitoring. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before processing them in file system operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the template parameter handling within the lstat.cgi script, creating an exploitable condition where remote attackers can manipulate file access requests through carefully crafted input sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to bypass normal file system access controls through two primary exploitation vectors. The first vector involves the use of dot dot sequences represented as .. to navigate upward through the directory structure, effectively allowing access to files outside the intended web root or application directory boundaries. The second vector enables attackers to specify absolute file paths directly, bypassing any relative path restrictions that might otherwise be in place. Both approaches exploit the same underlying flaw in parameter validation where the application does not properly filter or sanitize the template parameter before using it in file system operations. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially devastating for affected systems. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files including configuration files, user credentials, system logs, and other confidential data that should remain protected from external access. The ability to read arbitrary files creates a significant risk of information disclosure that can lead to further exploitation opportunities, including privilege escalation attacks, credential theft, and system compromise. The vulnerability affects systems where LinuxStat is deployed as a web application, potentially exposing entire server environments to unauthorized data access. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web server environments where applications may have elevated privileges and access to sensitive system resources.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows standard attack patterns consistent with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1083, which describes discovering files and directories. Attackers typically begin by identifying the vulnerable application endpoint and then craft malicious requests containing the directory traversal sequences. The attack requires minimal technical skill and can be automated using common web exploitation tools. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of input validation and proper access control implementation in the web application. Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense including proper parameter validation, access control restrictions, and input sanitization. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional protection, while regular security audits and vulnerability assessments help identify similar weaknesses in other applications. The remediation process requires updating to LinuxStat version 2.3.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security patch management practices can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation.