CVE-2004-2745 in OwnServer
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Anteco Visual Technologies OwnServer 1.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in a URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2745 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in Anteco Visual Technologies OwnServer version 1.0 and earlier systems. This security weakness enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the target system by manipulating URL parameters with directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of file path references within the web server's request processing logic. When a malicious user submits a URL containing .. (dot dot) sequences, the application fails to properly sanitize these inputs, allowing the attacker to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access restricted files.
This directory traversal vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which classifies improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw operates at the application layer where user-supplied input is not adequately validated or sanitized before being used in file system operations. The security implications extend beyond simple file access, as attackers can potentially read sensitive configuration files, system credentials, application source code, or other confidential data stored on the server. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the system by providing unauthorized access to information that should remain protected within the server's restricted file system boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations utilizing the affected OwnServer software, as it creates an attack vector that requires minimal technical expertise to exploit. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw without requiring authentication or physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible environments. The vulnerability affects the availability and confidentiality aspects of the CIA triad by enabling unauthorized data disclosure and potentially allowing attackers to gain further insights into the system architecture. Network administrators and security teams must consider the potential for privilege escalation if the application has access to sensitive system resources or user data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed as part of file paths. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious URL patterns containing .. sequences. The recommended approach involves normalizing all file path inputs through canonicalization processes that resolve relative paths and remove potentially dangerous sequences. System administrators should also consider implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles to limit the damage that could occur even if the vulnerability is exploited. Additionally, upgrading to patched versions of the OwnServer software, if available, represents the most effective long-term solution to address this vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that input validation mechanisms do not inadvertently break legitimate application functionality while providing adequate protection against directory traversal attacks.