CVE-2005-0502 in Xinkaa Web Station
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Xinkaa 1.0.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via (1) ../ and (2) ..\ characters in an HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0502 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Xinkaa version 1.0.3 and earlier implementations. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation within the web application's file handling mechanisms, specifically when processing HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input that includes path traversal characters such as ../ or ..\ which are commonly used to navigate file system directories. This flaw enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve arbitrary files from the server's file system, potentially exposing sensitive data including configuration files, source code, and user information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes path traversal attacks as a fundamental weakness in input validation. Attackers can construct malicious HTTP requests containing these traversal sequences to access files outside the intended directory structure, effectively breaking out of the web application's designated document root. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where user input is processed without proper sanitization or validation, creating a direct pathway for unauthorized file access. This type of attack operates at the intersection of web application security and operating system file system access controls, where the application's failure to validate input translates directly into system-level privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-0502 extends beyond simple information disclosure, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. Successful exploitation could allow adversaries to read system configuration files, database files, application source code, and other confidential data stored on the server. The vulnerability also provides a foundation for further attacks including privilege escalation, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, as attackers can leverage the ability to read system files to extract credentials, configuration details, or other sensitive information that could facilitate deeper system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied input containing directory traversal sequences is properly filtered or rejected before processing. The implementation of proper path normalization techniques and the use of secure coding practices can effectively prevent such attacks. Additionally, restricting file system access permissions for web applications and implementing proper access controls can limit the damage potential even if the vulnerability is exploited. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on input validation practices can help identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.