CVE-2005-1240 in Secure Net
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the third party tool from Castlehill, as used to secure the iSeries AS/400 FTP server, allows remote attackers to access arbitrary files, including those from qsys.lib, via ".." sequences in a GET request.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1240 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within a third-party security tool developed by Castlehill for protecting IBM iSeries AS/400 FTP servers. This weakness specifically affects the implementation of file access controls within the tool's handling of GET requests, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly process directory navigation sequences, allowing attackers to manipulate file access requests through maliciously constructed paths.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the manipulation of directory traversal sequences using double dots ".." within GET requests sent to the FTP server. When the Castlehill security tool processes these requests, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the path components, enabling attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. This allows unauthorized access to files within the qsys.lib directory structure, which contains critical system libraries and data that should remain protected from external access. The flaw operates at the application layer of the network stack, specifically affecting the file system access controls implemented by the third-party security tool rather than the underlying operating system itself.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it potentially exposes sensitive system information and data that could be leveraged for further attacks. The qsys.lib directory contains system libraries, configuration files, and potentially user data that could be accessed by remote attackers without authentication. This exposure could lead to information disclosure, system compromise, and potential escalation of privileges within the iSeries environment. The vulnerability affects organizations running IBM iSeries AS/400 systems that have implemented the Castlehill security tool, creating a significant security risk that could be exploited by attackers with network access to the FTP server.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1240 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Castlehill tool, as well as implementing additional network security controls to restrict access to the FTP service. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to the iSeries environment, deploying firewall rules to restrict FTP traffic, and ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the system. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery, where adversaries seek to enumerate system resources. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates the risks associated with third-party security tools that may introduce additional attack surfaces when not properly validated or maintained, highlighting the importance of comprehensive security testing for all components in the security infrastructure.