CVE-2005-1420 in Video Cam Server
Summary
by MITRE
Raysoft/Raybase Video Cam Server 1.0.0 beta allows remote attackers to determine the full pathname of the server via a request for an invalid page, as demonstrated using "%20" (hex-encoded space).
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1420 affects the Raysoft/Raybase Video Cam Server version 1.0.0 beta, representing a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes system internals to remote attackers. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the server processes requests for invalid pages, allowing malicious actors to extract sensitive path information through carefully crafted HTTP requests. The attack vector leverages hex-encoded spaces represented as "%20" to trigger the information leakage, demonstrating how seemingly benign request handling can reveal critical system architecture details. Such vulnerabilities fall under the broader category of information disclosure weaknesses that can provide attackers with foundational knowledge about the target system's file structure and deployment environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling within the video camera server's web interface. When processing malformed or non-existent URLs, the server fails to sanitize its error responses properly, inadvertently including the complete file system path in the HTTP response headers or body. This occurs because the server's response mechanism does not properly filter or escape path information before returning it to the client, creating a direct information leak that can be exploited through simple HTTP request manipulation. The use of "%20" encoding demonstrates that the vulnerability exists in the URL parsing and validation logic, where the server does not properly handle encoded characters in the request path. This type of flaw commonly maps to CWE-200, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper error handling and response generation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical system architecture information that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks. Once an attacker obtains the full pathname of the server installation, they can use this information to plan more sophisticated attacks such as directory traversal attempts, file inclusion exploits, or targeted attacks against specific system components. The disclosed path information may reveal the server's installation directory, operating system specifics, and potentially even the underlying web server configuration, all of which can be used to tailor more effective attack strategies. This vulnerability represents a significant risk in environments where the video server is deployed in sensitive locations or where network segmentation is not properly implemented, as the leaked information can serve as a launching point for privilege escalation or further system compromise.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to reconnaissance and initial access phases. Attackers can use the disclosed path information to conduct more targeted reconnaissance activities, potentially identifying other vulnerabilities within the same system or related components. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers the discovery of file and directory permissions, as the path disclosure reveals system structure and potentially sensitive file locations. Organizations should implement proper input validation and error handling mechanisms to prevent such information leaks, ensuring that error responses do not contain system-specific details that could aid attackers in their reconnaissance efforts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling in web applications, as even seemingly minor flaws can provide attackers with crucial information needed for more serious exploits.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention through proper software updates and configuration changes. System administrators should upgrade to patched versions of the Raysoft/Raybase Video Cam Server or implement proper input validation at the web server level to prevent path information from being exposed in error responses. The implementation of proper error handling that does not reveal system paths or file locations is essential, along with the deployment of web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious request patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to the video server and reduce the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar information disclosure vulnerabilities in other systems, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security weaknesses in the overall system architecture. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that even legacy systems require proper security hardening and regular updates to prevent exploitation by threat actors who may use simple techniques to gain access to sensitive system information.