CVE-2005-3086 in contentServ
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in admin/about.php in contentServ 3.1 allows remote attackers to read or include arbitrary files via ".." sequences in the ctsWebsite parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3086 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the contentServ 3.1 web application, specifically affecting the admin/about.php component. This weakness enables remote attackers to manipulate file access through carefully crafted input sequences, creating a significant security risk for affected systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or reject malicious path traversal sequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the ctsWebsite parameter within the admin/about.php script. When attackers submit ".." sequences in this parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize the input, allowing the directory traversal attack to succeed. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability exists because the application does not adequately validate user-supplied input before using it in file operations, creating an opportunity for attackers to navigate the filesystem outside of intended directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially enable remote code execution or complete system compromise. An attacker can leverage this weakness to access sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other system resources that should remain protected. The remote nature of this attack means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to internet traffic. This vulnerability can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file system discovery, and may also support techniques like T1566 for initial access through web application attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3086 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures. The most effective approach involves removing or properly encoding special characters such as the dot-dot-slash sequence from user input before processing. Applications should implement whitelisting mechanisms that only permit known good values for parameters that control file access operations. Additionally, proper file access controls and privilege separation should be enforced to limit what files can be accessed even if traversal attempts are successful. The implementation of secure coding practices including the use of safe file access functions and avoiding direct user input in file operations forms the foundation of defense against this type of vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security testing to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in their applications.