CVE-2009-0841 in MapServer
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in mapserv.c in mapserv in MapServer 4.x before 4.10.4 and 5.x before 5.2.2, when running on Windows with Cygwin, allows remote attackers to create arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-0841 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting MapServer versions 4.x prior to 4.10.4 and 5.x prior to 5.2.2 when operating on Windows systems using Cygwin. This issue arises from insufficient input validation within the mapserv.c component, specifically in how the system processes the id parameter during map service operations. The flaw enables remote attackers to exploit the application's file handling mechanisms by crafting malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) in the id parameter, potentially allowing unauthorized file system access and manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file operations. When MapServer processes requests through the mapserv component, it accepts the id parameter without adequate validation of directory traversal sequences, allowing attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure. This weakness is particularly pronounced in Windows environments utilizing Cygwin, where the underlying file system handling can be exploited to create arbitrary files in locations outside the expected application boundaries. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can enable attackers to create, modify, or delete arbitrary files on the target system. This capability allows for remote code execution through file injection attacks, privilege escalation scenarios, and potential system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to place malicious files in critical system directories, potentially leading to persistent access or service disruption. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web-facing MapServer installations. From an adversarial perspective, this flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where attackers could use the file creation capability to establish persistence mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0841 primarily focus on immediate patching of affected MapServer versions to the secure releases mentioned in the advisory. Organizations should implement input validation measures that explicitly filter or reject directory traversal sequences in all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file operations. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of MapServer applications to untrusted networks. Additionally, implementing proper file system permissions and restricting write access to application directories can help limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's infrastructure, as this class of vulnerability remains prevalent in many web applications and services.