CVE-2005-0286 in MediaPartner Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
eMotion MediaPartner Web Server 5.0 and 5.1 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an HTTP request for a .bhtml file that contains a (1) . (dot) or (2) + (plus sign) at the end, which returns the source code for that file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0286 affects the eMotion MediaPartner Web Server version 5.0 and 5.1, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that enables remote attackers to access sensitive source code files through carefully crafted HTTP requests. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and file handling mechanisms within the web server implementation, specifically when processing requests for .bhtml files. The issue manifests when attackers append either a dot character or a plus sign to the end of .bhtml file requests, causing the server to return the source code of the requested file instead of properly rendering or denying access to it.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves understanding how the web server processes file extensions and handles special characters in URL requests. When a .bhtml file is requested with a trailing dot or plus sign, the server's file resolution logic fails to properly sanitize the input, leading to a directory traversal or file disclosure condition. This behavior is consistent with CWE-200, which describes improper output handling that leads to information exposure, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can result in unintended file access. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve the raw source code of web application files, potentially exposing sensitive implementation details, configuration information, or even embedded credentials.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant security risks to organizations utilizing the affected web server software. The disclosure of source code files can reveal critical application logic, database connection strings, hardcoded passwords, and other sensitive information that attackers can leverage for further exploitation. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local access or authentication to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet. This type of information disclosure vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential access through various means including information gathering and reconnaissance activities. The exposure of source code can enable attackers to understand application architecture and identify additional attack vectors, potentially leading to more severe compromises such as privilege escalation or data breaches.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the eMotion MediaPartner Web Server, implementing proper input validation for file requests, and configuring the server to reject requests containing special characters that could trigger the disclosure behavior. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of their web server configurations and review all .bhtml file access controls to ensure that sensitive source code is not exposed to unauthorized users. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and output handling in web applications, reinforcing principles from the OWASP Top Ten that emphasize the need for robust validation of all user inputs to prevent information disclosure and other security issues.