CVE-2005-0450 in HTTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Sami HTTP Server 1.0.5 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via an HTTP request containing (1) .. (dot dot) or (2) "%2e%2e" (encoded dot dot) sequences.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2021
The CVE-2005-0450 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Sami HTTP Server version 1.0.5 that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw manifests when the server fails to properly validate and sanitize input parameters that contain directory path references, allowing malicious users to navigate outside the intended document root directory.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the server's inadequate input validation mechanisms by accepting specially crafted HTTP requests containing either literal dot-dot sequences or their URL-encoded equivalents. When an attacker submits a request containing .. or %2e%2e sequences, the server processes these inputs without proper sanitization, allowing the traversal of directory structures beyond the intended web root. This occurs because the server does not properly canonicalize or validate the file paths before accessing them, enabling attackers to reference files outside the designated directories through the use of relative path references.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially executable code that should remain protected. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to retrieve system files such as password databases, configuration files, source code repositories, and other sensitive data that may contain credentials, system information, or application logic. The remote nature of this attack means that no local system access is required, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the network. This vulnerability directly aligns with attack techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy under the category of path traversal attacks, which are frequently used in initial compromise phases of cyber attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security architecture improvements. The primary solution involves updating the Sami HTTP Server to a version that properly validates and sanitizes all input containing path references, ensuring that directory traversal sequences are either rejected or properly canonicalized before file access operations occur. Organizations should implement input validation at multiple levels, including application-level filtering, web application firewalls, and proper server configuration that restricts file access to predefined directories. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege by running the web server with minimal required permissions and ensuring that sensitive files are stored outside the web-accessible directories provides defense-in-depth protection. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar flaws in other web server implementations and applications that may be susceptible to the same class of attacks.