CVE-2005-0335 in MediaPartner Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in EMotion MediaPartner Web Server 5.0 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2017
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0335 affects the EMotion MediaPartner Web Server version 5.0, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the web server's URL processing mechanism, specifically failing to properly sanitize or normalize path references that contain directory traversal sequences. The flaw manifests when the server processes URLs containing the .. (dot dot) sequence, which is a standard method for navigating up directory levels in file systems. When such sequences are present in the URL path without proper sanitization, the web server interprets them literally and attempts to serve files from locations outside the intended web root directory.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The technical implementation of this flaw allows attackers to bypass normal access controls by crafting malicious URLs that reference files outside the web server's designated document root. The impact extends beyond simple file reading capabilities, as successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, user credentials, and potentially system-level information that could be leveraged for further compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard HTTP requests without requiring special privileges or authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial, as it provides attackers with the ability to extract confidential information from the web server without requiring legitimate access credentials. Remote exploitation means that attackers can potentially access sensitive data from anywhere on the internet, making this vulnerability particularly attractive for malicious actors. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad by enabling unauthorized data disclosure, and it can also contribute to integrity and availability concerns if attackers gain access to system configuration files or other critical resources. This type of vulnerability is classified under the attack pattern known as T1083 in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which specifically addresses the discovery of system information through directory traversal techniques. The attack surface is broad as any file accessible to the web server process can potentially be read, including system files, database files, application source code, and configuration files that may contain sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0335 should focus on immediate patching of the affected EMotion MediaPartner Web Server version 5.0, as this represents the most effective solution. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization at the application level, ensuring that all URL paths are normalized and that directory traversal sequences are either rejected or properly resolved within the intended directory structure. Web server configuration should include restrictions on path resolution and implementation of proper access controls that prevent traversal beyond designated directories. Network-level mitigations such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for and blocking suspicious URL patterns containing directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly for web applications that handle user-supplied data. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications and services. Organizations should also maintain up-to-date inventories of all web server software and ensure timely patch management to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. The incident highlights the critical need for defense-in-depth strategies that combine multiple security controls to protect against path traversal attacks and similar vulnerabilities that can compromise system security.