CVE-2005-2349 in Zoo
Summary
by MITRE
Zoo 2.10-27 has Directory traversal
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2349 affects Zoo version 2.10-27 and represents a directory traversal flaw that allows attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of path traversal attacks, which exploit insufficient input validation to manipulate file access requests. The issue stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input that is used to construct file paths, enabling malicious actors to navigate beyond the designated file system boundaries.
Directory traversal vulnerabilities occur when applications fail to properly validate or sanitize file path inputs, allowing attackers to manipulate the path structure to access restricted files or directories. In the context of Zoo 2.10-27, this weakness enables an attacker to access files that should normally be protected or restricted. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's handling of file path resolution, where user-controllable input is directly incorporated into file access operations without proper validation. This flaw can be exploited through various means including URL parameter manipulation, file name injection, or other input vectors that influence the file system access behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially lead to unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or even allow for privilege escalation in certain environments. Attackers can leverage this weakness to read arbitrary files on the server, potentially accessing database credentials, application configuration files, or other sensitive data that could compromise the entire system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in web applications where file access operations are common and user input is frequently processed without proper sanitization. This type of flaw can also serve as a stepping stone for more advanced attacks, including code execution or further system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this directory traversal vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied input used in file access operations undergoes strict validation to prevent path manipulation attempts. The implementation of secure coding practices including the use of allowlists for valid file paths, proper input sanitization, and the adoption of secure file access libraries can significantly reduce the risk. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the application's access to only necessary file system resources. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1083 for discovering files and directories, as well as T1566 for credential access through file system manipulation. Regular security testing, including static and dynamic analysis, should be implemented to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in the application code.