CVE-2005-3097 in contribute.cgi
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Avi Alkalay contribute.cgi (aka contribute.pl), dated 16 Jun 2002, allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files via ".." sequences in the contribdir variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2021
The CVE-2005-3097 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the contribute.cgi script developed by Avi Alkalay, which was originally released on June 16, 2002. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input within the contribdir variable, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate file system operations. The flaw specifically exploits the absence of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that should prevent malicious path traversal sequences from being processed by the application. The contribute.cgi script, commonly used for user contributions or content management within web applications, fails to adequately validate the contribdir parameter, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file paths through the use of directory traversal sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the script's improper handling of relative path references using the ".." sequence, which is a well-known technique for navigating up directory levels in file systems. When an attacker supplies a contribdir value containing these sequences, the application processes them without adequate restrictions, enabling access to directories beyond the intended scope. This allows malicious actors to traverse the file system hierarchy and potentially overwrite files in sensitive locations, as the application does not validate whether the specified directory path remains within the designated boundaries. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. This weakness is particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to access system files, overwrite critical application components, or potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, as it provides attackers with a mechanism to manipulate the application's file system behavior in potentially destructive ways. Remote exploitation allows attackers to target the web server's file system from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible applications. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to overwrite configuration files, application binaries, or sensitive data files, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves executing commands through web shell or script injection, as the ability to overwrite files can enable further attack vectors. Additionally, this flaw demonstrates characteristics of T1566, the use of malicious file content, as attackers can leverage the directory traversal to place malicious content in critical locations.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3097 require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures. The most effective approach involves implementing strict validation of all user-supplied input, particularly parameters that influence file system operations. The application should reject any input containing directory traversal sequences or perform proper path normalization to ensure that all paths remain within the intended directory structure. This can be achieved through the implementation of whitelist validation, where only predetermined safe directory paths are accepted, or through the use of secure coding practices that prevent path traversal attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and privilege separation to limit the damage that could result from successful exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding guidelines and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in legacy applications. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date application versions and applying security patches promptly are essential measures to protect against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2005-3097.