CVE-2010-2078 in DataTrack System
Summary
by MITRE
DataTrack System 3.5 allows remote attackers to list the root directory via a (1) /%u0085/ or (2) /%u00A0/ URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-2078 affects the DataTrack System version 3.5, a web-based application that provides data tracking capabilities. This flaw represents a directory traversal vulnerability that allows remote attackers to access the root directory of the system through specially crafted URI requests. The vulnerability manifests through two specific URI patterns using Unicode encoding sequences %u0085 and %u00A0 which are interpreted by the application's web server component as directory traversal indicators. These Unicode sequences correspond to non-breaking space characters in different character encodings, and their improper handling by the application creates an exploitable condition that bypasses normal access controls.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the DataTrack System's URI processing mechanism. When the web server receives requests containing these Unicode sequences, it fails to properly normalize or validate the input before processing the path components. This allows attackers to craft URLs that appear legitimate to the user interface but contain hidden traversal sequences that manipulate the file system access paths. The vulnerability specifically targets the root directory access, which could expose sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially lead to further system compromise. The use of Unicode encoding sequences makes this attack more sophisticated and potentially harder to detect through simple network monitoring or intrusion detection systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides unauthorized remote access to the system's root directory without requiring authentication or specific credentials. Attackers can potentially discover and access sensitive information including system configuration files, database connection details, application source code, and other privileged data that should remain protected. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the system as it allows information disclosure and could potentially serve as a stepping stone for additional attacks. Depending on the system configuration and the data stored in the root directory, this vulnerability could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of services. The remote nature of the attack means that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the network without physical access to the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the DataTrack System. Organizations should ensure that all URI processing components properly normalize and validate input data, particularly handling Unicode sequences in a consistent and secure manner. The application should reject or properly encode any non-standard Unicode characters that could be used for path traversal attacks. System administrators should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious URI patterns. Additionally, regular security updates and patches should be applied to the DataTrack System to address known vulnerabilities. The mitigation approach should align with established security practices including the principle of least privilege, where system access is restricted to only necessary components, and input validation should follow the CWE-20 standard for robust security controls. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing proper access controls and ensuring that applications properly handle internationalized character sets according to industry best practices.