CVE-2005-1198 in Foundation Directory
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in apexec.pl for Anaconda Foundation Directory allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via hex-encoded null characters (%00) in the middle of ".." sequences in the template parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1198 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the apexec.pl script of the Anaconda Foundation Directory software. This directory traversal vulnerability specifically targets the template parameter processing mechanism, allowing remote attackers to exploit the system by manipulating file path references through carefully crafted hex-encoded null characters. The attack vector leverages the manipulation of ".." sequences within file paths, where the insertion of %00 characters disrupts normal path resolution processes and enables unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the apexec.pl script's parameter handling. When the template parameter contains sequences of ".." characters mixed with hex-encoded null characters, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate these inputs before using them in file system operations. This weakness creates a path traversal condition where the application interprets the manipulated input as legitimate path navigation commands rather than malicious payload elements. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core level of file system access within the web application framework, bypassing normal access controls and directory restrictions.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant security risks to organizations utilizing Anaconda Foundation Directory software. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw to access sensitive files including configuration data, user credentials, system logs, and potentially system binaries or database files. The ability to read arbitrary files through directory traversal allows for comprehensive information gathering and can lead to further exploitation opportunities such as privilege escalation or system compromise. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the affected system, potentially exposing sensitive data and undermining the security posture of the entire directory service infrastructure.
Security professionals should address this vulnerability through immediate patching of the affected software components and implementation of proper input validation mechanisms. The recommended mitigation strategies include enforcing strict parameter validation for all user-supplied inputs, implementing proper sanitization routines that reject or encode special characters including null bytes, and applying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious traversal patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their directory services infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses path traversal and directory traversal issues in software applications, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to severe security consequences. The attack pattern described in this vulnerability corresponds to techniques outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the T1083 and T1566 tactics, which focus on discovery and initial access methods respectively, demonstrating how such vulnerabilities can serve as entry points for broader security breaches.