CVE-2005-0293 in minis
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in minis.php in Minis 0.2.1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the month parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0293 represents a classic directory traversal flaw affecting the Minis 0.2.1 web application. This issue resides within the minis.php script where the application fails to properly validate user input passed through the month parameter. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms that allow attackers to manipulate file paths by injecting .. (dot dot) sequences directly into the month parameter. Such manipulation enables unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure, potentially exposing sensitive system information including configuration files, user data, and application source code.
This directory traversal vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22 known as "Improper Limiting of a Pathname to a Fixed Directory ('Path Traversal')", which is classified under the CWE top 25 most dangerous software weaknesses. The attack vector operates through HTTP requests where malicious actors can construct URLs containing directory traversal sequences to access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it provides attackers with the ability to read files that should remain protected within the application's designated directories, potentially leading to information disclosure and further exploitation opportunities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the compromised environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can access not only user data but also application configuration files that may contain database credentials, API keys, and other sensitive information. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the web application, potentially enabling privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) techniques, as attackers can systematically enumerate and access sensitive files through this path traversal mechanism.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0293 must focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures. The most effective approach involves implementing proper parameter validation that rejects or removes any instances of .. sequences from user input before processing. Additionally, developers should implement a whitelist approach for acceptable month parameter values, ensuring that only predefined valid inputs are accepted. The application should also employ secure coding practices such as using absolute paths with proper directory restrictions and implementing proper access controls that prevent file access outside designated directories. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal patterns, while regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in preventing common web application exploits and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle.