CVE-2005-1366 in Pico Server
Summary
by MITRE
Pico Server (pServ) 3.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain the source code for CGI scripts via "dirname/../cgi-bin" in a URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1366 affects Pico Server version 3.2 and earlier, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access sensitive server-side resources. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the web server's URL processing mechanism, specifically when handling directory navigation sequences that exploit path resolution vulnerabilities.
The technical exploitation occurs through crafted URL requests containing the sequence "dirname/../cgi-bin" which allows attackers to bypass normal directory access controls and retrieve the source code of CGI scripts stored in the cgi-bin directory. This represents a classic path traversal attack pattern where the "../" component attempts to move up the directory hierarchy, but the server fails to properly sanitize or validate these path components before processing. The vulnerability resides in the server's failure to normalize or validate URL paths, allowing malicious users to construct requests that traverse the file system beyond intended boundaries.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses severe security risks as CGI script source code often contains sensitive information including database connection strings, authentication credentials, application logic, and business-critical code. The exposure of such information can lead to further exploitation opportunities including privilege escalation, data breaches, and complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects any system running Pico Server 3.2 or earlier versions, making it particularly concerning for organizations that have not upgraded their web server software.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. This weakness allows attackers to access files and directories outside the intended scope, potentially leading to unauthorized data access and system compromise. The attack vector follows patterns documented in MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access through exploitation of web applications. Organizations should consider implementing proper input validation and path normalization techniques as mitigation strategies.
Mitigation efforts should prioritize immediate upgrading to Pico Server versions that address this vulnerability, as well as implementing proper URL path validation and sanitization mechanisms. Additional protective measures include restricting access to cgi-bin directories through proper authentication controls, implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block path traversal attempts, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other server components. Network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious URL patterns can also help detect exploitation attempts before they succeed in accessing sensitive source code files.