CVE-2009-1354 in Mongoose
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Mongoose 2.4 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2024
The CVE-2009-1354 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Mongoose web server version 2.4 that exposes systems to remote code execution and data theft risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the way the Mongoose HTTP server processes Uniform Resource Identifiers containing directory traversal sequences, allowing malicious actors to access files outside the intended web root directory. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and path sanitization within the server's URI processing logic, creating an exploitable condition where attackers can manipulate file paths through carefully crafted requests containing the .. (dot dot) sequence.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the Mongoose server's failure to properly canonicalize or sanitize file paths received in HTTP requests. When a URI contains sequences like ../../etc/passwd or ../../../windows/system32/drivers/etc/hosts, the server processes these paths without adequate validation, resulting in the resolution of file paths that extend beyond the designated document root. This behavior directly violates the principle of least privilege and allows unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially confidential user information. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which describes the use of directory traversal methods to access restricted system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-1354 extends beyond simple file access, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read system configuration files, access database files, retrieve user credentials stored in configuration files, and potentially execute arbitrary code if the web server has elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects any system running Mongoose 2.4 where web content is served through the affected server, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the server is exposed to untrusted networks. Attackers can systematically enumerate directories and files across the entire file system, potentially discovering sensitive information such as database connection strings, application secrets, and private keys that could facilitate further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1354 should focus on immediate patching and architectural defenses to prevent path traversal attacks. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of Mongoose that properly implements path validation and canonicalization. Organizations should also implement input validation at multiple layers, including web application firewalls, reverse proxies, and application-level checks that filter out directory traversal sequences from incoming requests. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper file system permissions, restricting the web server's access to only necessary directories, and employing content security policies that prevent access to sensitive system paths. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect and alert on suspicious URI patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web server security implementations, as highlighted in security frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.