CVE-2005-2020 in 3c15100d
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the web server for 3Com Network Supervisor 5.0.2 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via ".." sequences in the URL to TCP port 21700.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2020 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the web server component of 3Com Network Supervisor version 5.0.2. This issue manifests specifically when processing HTTP requests directed to TCP port 21700, which serves as the default port for the web interface of this network management software. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and path sanitization mechanisms within the web server's file access routines, allowing malicious actors to manipulate URL parameters through directory traversal sequences using the ".." notation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper validation in the web server's file resolution logic. When a user submits a request containing ".." sequences in the URL path, the web server fails to properly sanitize these inputs before attempting to access the requested files. This deficiency enables attackers to navigate beyond the intended document root directory and access arbitrary files on the underlying filesystem. The vulnerability specifically affects the web server component that handles administrative requests, making it particularly dangerous as it could potentially expose sensitive configuration files, authentication credentials, or other system data.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations using 3Com Network Supervisor 5.0.2, as it allows remote code execution capabilities through file disclosure. Attackers can leverage this weakness to access critical system files including but not limited to configuration files that may contain database credentials, user authentication information, or system settings that could facilitate further exploitation. The remote nature of this attack means that an attacker does not require physical access to the network or system to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the web interface is accessible from external networks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal attacks as a common weakness in software design, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory traversal and path manipulation techniques. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can provide attackers with the necessary information to conduct more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation, lateral movement, and potentially full system compromise. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation to isolate the affected system and restrict access to TCP port 21700 to trusted networks only.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the 3Com Network Supervisor software to the latest available version that addresses this directory traversal vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement proper access controls and firewall rules to restrict access to the vulnerable port, ensuring that only authorized personnel can reach the web interface. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious URL patterns containing directory traversal sequences should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other network management systems and web applications that may be susceptible to the same class of vulnerabilities.