CVE-2005-0733 in Active Webcam
Summary
by MITRE
PY Software Active Webcam WebServer (webcam.exe) 5.5 allows remote attackers to determine the existence of files via an HTTP request with a full pathname, which produces different messages whether the file exists or not.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0733 affects PY Software Active Webcam WebServer version 5.5, representing a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes system file structure to remote attackers. This issue manifests through the webcam.exe web server component that processes HTTP requests containing full file paths, creating a condition where the server responds differently based on whether the requested file exists within the system's file hierarchy. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack, specifically within the web server's file access handling mechanism, making it accessible through standard HTTP protocols without requiring authentication or specialized tools.
This flaw constitutes a directory traversal and file existence enumeration vulnerability that directly violates security principles of least privilege and information hiding. The web server's response behavior creates a clear distinction between successful and failed file access attempts, effectively allowing attackers to map the underlying file system structure through systematic probing. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure" and specifically relates to the disclosure of information that could aid in further exploitation attempts. Attackers can leverage this information to identify sensitive files, system directories, or application-specific resources that might contain valuable data or serve as targets for additional attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical reconnaissance data that can inform subsequent exploitation phases. By determining file existence, attackers can identify system configuration files, log files, or application-specific data that might contain credentials, system paths, or other sensitive information. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, "File and Directory Discovery," and represents a foundational reconnaissance capability that enables more sophisticated attacks. The exposure of file system structure can lead to cascading security issues, including potential privilege escalation or access to sensitive system resources that should remain hidden from unauthorized users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0733 should focus on implementing proper input validation and response handling within the web server component. The most effective approach involves modifying the webcam.exe application to normalize all file path requests and provide consistent responses regardless of file existence, thereby eliminating the information disclosure mechanism. System administrators should ensure that the web server component operates with minimal required privileges and that file access controls are properly configured to prevent unauthorized enumeration. Additionally, implementing network-level filtering to restrict access to the web server component and deploying intrusion detection systems that monitor for unusual file access patterns can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling in web applications, particularly when dealing with file system operations that could inadvertently expose system information to remote users.