CVE-2004-2661 in 04WebServer
Summary
by MITRE
Soft3304 04WebServer before 1.41 does not properly check file names, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information (CGI source code).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2661 affects Soft3304 04WebServer versions prior to 1.41 and represents a critical security flaw in web server implementation that enables unauthorized access to sensitive information. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the server's file handling processes, specifically concerning how the software processes and validates file names submitted through web requests. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the server's security architecture that directly impacts information confidentiality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the server's failure to properly sanitize and validate file name inputs received from remote clients. When attackers submit malicious file name requests to the web server, the system does not adequately filter or validate these inputs before attempting to access or serve the requested files. This lack of proper validation creates an opportunity for attackers to traverse directory structures and access files that should remain protected, including CGI scripts and their source code. The flaw essentially allows for arbitrary file access through predictable path traversal techniques that exploit the server's insufficient input validation controls.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing affected versions of the 04WebServer software. The exposure of CGI source code provides attackers with detailed insights into the server's internal workings, including potential implementation flaws, database connection strings, and other sensitive configuration information. This information can be leveraged to conduct more sophisticated attacks, such as privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or the development of targeted exploits against the application logic. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked source code can serve as a blueprint for attackers to identify additional vulnerabilities within the application ecosystem.
The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22 which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. This classification aligns with the core flaw where the server fails to properly restrict file access to legitimate directories and instead allows unrestricted traversal through the file system. Additionally, this vulnerability can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1213.002 which involves data from network shared drives, as the compromised server may expose sensitive information that would normally be restricted to authorized users only. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web servers.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates to version 1.41 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the file name validation issues. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including input validation at multiple layers, directory traversal prevention mechanisms, and regular security assessments of web server configurations. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, while monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect and alert on suspicious file access patterns. Regular security training for administrators and developers is essential to prevent similar implementation flaws in future software deployments and to maintain awareness of common web server security pitfalls that could lead to similar vulnerabilities.