CVE-2009-4529 in NaviCOPA Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
InterVations NaviCOPA Web Server 3.0.1.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain the source code for a web page via a trailing encoded space character in a URI, as demonstrated by /index.html%20 and /index.php%20 URIs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4529 affects InterVations NaviCOPA Web Server version 3.0.1.2 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in web application handling that enables unauthorized access to sensitive source code files. This vulnerability stems from improper URI parsing and path resolution mechanisms within the web server implementation, where the server fails to properly sanitize or normalize URL requests containing trailing encoded space characters. The flaw specifically manifests when attackers append %20 (URL encoded space) to legitimate file paths such as /index.html%20 or /index.php%20, allowing them to bypass normal access controls and retrieve the underlying source code of web pages. This represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that falls under CWE-22 Path Traversal and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 Data from Information Repositories, as attackers can exploit this weakness to gain access to sensitive source code that may contain database credentials, application logic, or other confidential information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs due to the web server's insufficient input validation and path normalization routines. When a request containing a trailing encoded space is processed, the server does not properly resolve the URI to its canonical form, instead treating the encoded space as a legitimate part of the file path. This allows the server to attempt to serve the source code of the requested file rather than the rendered HTML output, effectively exposing the raw source code to unauthorized users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects both html and php files, indicating a fundamental flaw in how the server handles file resolution for different content types. This weakness creates a pathway for attackers to potentially discover sensitive information such as database connection strings, API keys, or application logic that could be leveraged for further exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposure of source code provides attackers with valuable intelligence for planning more sophisticated attacks. When attackers can access PHP source code, they gain insight into application logic, database queries, and potential injection points that could lead to SQL injection vulnerabilities or other exploits. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to web application security posture, as source code exposure can reveal implementation details that attackers can use to craft targeted attacks against the application. This weakness can be exploited without authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it allows any remote attacker to access sensitive source code files without requiring valid credentials or privileged access. The vulnerability's exploitation directly violates security principles of least privilege and defense in depth, as it allows unauthorized access to application components that should remain protected.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4529 should focus on implementing proper URI normalization and input validation within the web server configuration. Organizations should upgrade to a patched version of the NaviCOPA Web Server that properly handles encoded characters in URIs and implements robust path resolution mechanisms. Network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious URI patterns containing encoded spaces or other potentially malicious characters. Additionally, security configurations should include proper file access controls and ensure that source code files are not directly accessible through web requests. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input sanitization and the need for web servers to normalize URIs before processing requests. Organizations should also implement regular security testing including web application vulnerability scanning to identify similar weaknesses in their web server configurations, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader issues with input validation and access control implementation.