CVE-2005-1305 in hyper.cgi
Summary
by MITRE
The hyper.cgi script allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a full pathname in the argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1305 resides within the hyper.cgi script, a component typically used in web applications for handling hyperlinks or file operations. This flaw represents a classic directory traversal or path traversal vulnerability that enables remote attackers to access files beyond the intended scope of the application. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the script's argument processing logic. When the hyper.cgi script receives a parameter containing a full pathname, it fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before using it to access system files. This allows attackers to craft malicious requests that can traverse the file system hierarchy and retrieve sensitive information from arbitrary locations on the server. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates a fundamental lack of proper access control and input validation practices that are essential for maintaining application security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. This weakness occurs when applications fail to properly validate user-supplied input before using it in file system operations. The hyper.cgi script essentially acts as a gateway for file access operations where the argument parameter directly influences the file path resolution process. Attackers can exploit this by providing specially crafted pathnames that include directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar constructs that allow navigation outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability can be exploited to read system configuration files, database files, source code repositories, or any other files accessible to the web server process. This represents a critical security flaw that can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other vulnerabilities or when sensitive files are accessible through the web server.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-1305 extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive data that could include database credentials, application configuration files, user information, and system-level resources. This vulnerability can be exploited from any remote location without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The potential damage ranges from data theft and intellectual property exposure to complete system compromise, especially when attackers can access configuration files that may contain database connection strings, API keys, or other sensitive credentials. The vulnerability also enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges or gain deeper insights into the system architecture, which can facilitate further attacks. In environments where the web server runs with elevated privileges, this vulnerability could allow attackers to access files that are normally protected from regular user access, potentially leading to complete system takeover.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate technical flaw and broader security practices within the application architecture. The primary remediation involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent path traversal sequences from being processed as legitimate file paths. This includes rejecting or filtering out directory traversal characters and sequences from all user-supplied input before it is processed by the application. Organizations should implement proper access controls that ensure the web application operates with minimal required privileges and that file system access is strictly limited to authorized paths. Additionally, the implementation of a whitelist approach for file access operations, where only predefined, safe file paths are allowed, provides a robust defense against such vulnerabilities. The use of secure coding practices, including parameterized queries and proper input validation, should be enforced throughout the application development lifecycle. Regular security assessments and penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system, while maintaining up-to-date security patches and monitoring for exploitation attempts through intrusion detection systems. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include network segmentation and application firewalls to limit the potential impact of such flaws.