CVE-2005-0435 in awstats
Summary
by MITRE
awstats.pl in AWStats 6.3 and 6.4 allows remote attackers to read server web logs by setting the loadplugin and pluginmode parameters to rawlog.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0435 affects the AWStats web analytics tool version 6.3 and 6.4, specifically targeting the awstats.pl script which serves as the primary interface for log analysis and report generation. This vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw that enables remote attackers to access sensitive server log files through manipulation of specific URL parameters. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the application's plugin loading functionality, creating an exploitable path for unauthorized data retrieval.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on the manipulation of two specific parameters within the awstats.pl script: loadplugin and pluginmode. When attackers set these parameters to rawlog values, they can bypass normal access controls and directly request server log files that should typically remain protected from public access. This occurs because the application fails to properly validate user input before processing plugin requests, allowing arbitrary plugin loading and execution. The vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which addresses improper information exposure, and represents a classic case of insufficient access control where the application does not adequately verify user permissions before granting access to sensitive data. The rawlog plugin functionality was designed for legitimate log file processing but becomes exploitable when accessed without proper authentication or authorization checks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially expose sensitive operational data including user credentials, system access patterns, and potentially confidential business information contained within web server logs. Attackers can gain insights into user behavior, system vulnerabilities, and network access patterns that could facilitate further attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers the discovery of system information, and T1566, which covers credential harvesting through various means. The exposure of web server logs could reveal authentication attempts, failed login attempts, and other sensitive information that might be leveraged in subsequent attacks. Organizations running affected versions of AWStats face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited without requiring any special privileges or advanced technical knowledge.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of AWStats to versions that address the access control flaw, implementing proper input validation for all plugin parameters, and restricting direct access to the awstats.pl script through web server configuration. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level access controls to limit who can access the AWStats interface and ensure that log files are properly secured with appropriate file permissions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation as outlined in OWASP Top Ten 2017 category a03, which addresses injection flaws. Additionally, implementing proper authentication mechanisms and regular security audits of web applications can help identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.