CVE-2005-1357 in text.cgi
Summary
by MITRE
text.cgi script allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a full pathname in the argument.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1357 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the text.cgi script that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the target system. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the script's parameter handling mechanism, specifically when processing user-supplied arguments containing full pathnames. The flaw allows malicious actors to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive information from the server's file system without proper authentication or authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the text.cgi script failing to properly validate or sanitize the pathname argument provided by users. When the script processes a request containing a full pathname in its argument, it directly uses this input to access files on the system without performing adequate checks to ensure the requested path is within acceptable boundaries. This lack of input validation creates an exploitable condition where attackers can manipulate the script to traverse directories and access files that should remain protected, including configuration files, system logs, and potentially sensitive data repositories.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to system security and data integrity. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information such as database credentials, application configuration files, system user details, and other confidential data stored on the server. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring any prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it allows for automated reconnaissance and data exfiltration. The potential for escalation exists since successful exploitation can lead to further system compromise and access to additional resources within the network infrastructure.
Security practitioners should address this vulnerability through immediate patching of affected systems and implementation of proper input validation controls. The recommended mitigations include implementing strict input sanitization mechanisms that validate and filter all user-supplied parameters before processing, enforcing proper access controls and file system permissions, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal attacks. The threat landscape associated with this issue is further categorized under ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers discovery of file and directory permissions, and T1566, which encompasses credential access through various attack vectors including file system exploitation. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect suspicious file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.