CVE-2005-1656 in Mercur Messaging
Summary
by MITRE
Mercur Messaging 2005 SP2 allows remote attackers to read the source code of .ctml files via a URL with a trailing hex-encoded space ("%20").
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1656 represents a classic path traversal and information disclosure flaw within the Mercur Messaging 2005 SP2 web application framework. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and improper handling of URL-encoded characters in the application's file access mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the processing of .ctml files which are likely custom template files used within the messaging system, making this issue particularly concerning for organizations relying on this legacy platform for communication services.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of URL parameters to include hex-encoded trailing spaces represented as "%20". When the web application processes these malformed URLs, it fails to properly sanitize the input before attempting to access the requested file, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve the source code of .ctml files. This behavior indicates a lack of proper input validation and path normalization mechanisms within the application's file access routines, creating an information disclosure channel that exposes sensitive template code to unauthorized parties.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed .ctml source code may contain sensitive implementation details, business logic, or even embedded credentials that could be leveraged by attackers for further exploitation. The exposure of template source code provides attackers with insights into the application's internal structure, potentially enabling them to craft more sophisticated attacks against the system. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-502 Deserialization of Untrusted Data, as it involves improper handling of file paths and the potential for code execution through template manipulation.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation on all URL parameters, proper path normalization routines, and the removal or restriction of access to .ctml files through web server configuration. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1213 Data from Information Repositories, as it involves the unauthorized access to repository contents. Additionally, this weakness demonstrates poor input sanitization practices that could enable other attack vectors including command injection or cross-site scripting if the exposed template code contains user-controllable elements. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious URL patterns containing hex-encoded characters that could be used to exploit similar path traversal vulnerabilities in the broader application ecosystem.