CVE-2005-0574 in CIS WebServer
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in CIS WebServer 3.5.13 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via .. (dot dot) sequences in the URL.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0574 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in CIS WebServer version 3.5.13 that exposes systems to unauthorized file access. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the web server's URL processing mechanism, allowing malicious actors to exploit the weakness by crafting specially formatted URLs containing dot-dot-sequence characters. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation, which is classified as CWE-22 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, and specifically maps to the ATT&CK technique T1083 for discovering files and directories.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker constructs a URL that includes directory traversal sequences such as ..%2F or ../, which are then processed by the web server without proper sanitization. When the server attempts to resolve these paths, it fails to properly validate the input, allowing the traversal mechanism to access files outside the intended web root directory. This flaw enables attackers to read arbitrary files on the server, potentially including configuration files, source code, database files, or sensitive system information that should remain protected from external access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate their privileges and potentially gain deeper access to the underlying system. Attackers can leverage this weakness to obtain sensitive data such as database connection strings, application credentials, or system configuration files that could lead to further compromise. The vulnerability affects systems running CIS WebServer 3.5.13 and potentially other versions with similar implementation flaws, making it a widespread concern for organizations that have not updated their web server software.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, beginning with immediate patching of the web server software to the latest version that addresses this specific directory traversal issue. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit access to the web server, while implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures can prevent similar issues from occurring in other applications. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in the web application stack. The ATT&CK framework suggests implementing defensive measures such as application firewalls and web application security monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting directory traversal vulnerabilities.