CVE-2010-2333 in LiteSpeed Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
LiteSpeed Technologies LiteSpeed Web Server 4.0.x before 4.0.15 allows remote attackers to read the source code of scripts via an HTTP request with a null byte followed by a .txt file extension.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2333 affects LiteSpeed Technologies LiteSpeed Web Server version 4.0.x prior to 4.0.15, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access sensitive source code files through crafted HTTP requests. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and path handling within the web server's file access mechanisms, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure that could compromise the confidentiality of web application source code. The flaw specifically exploits how the server processes file requests containing null bytes followed by .txt extensions, allowing attackers to bypass normal file access controls and retrieve script source code that should otherwise remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic null byte injection attack vector that leverages the web server's inadequate sanitization of file path parameters. When an attacker submits an HTTP request containing a null byte character followed by a .txt file extension, the LiteSpeed Web Server fails to properly validate or sanitize this input, causing the server to interpret the request in a manner that exposes the underlying source code files. This behavior demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the server's file handling logic, where the null byte character is not properly stripped or rejected from the file path, allowing it to interfere with normal file access operations and potentially reveal sensitive source code content.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to web application security and data confidentiality. Attackers can exploit this flaw to obtain source code of PHP, Perl, or other scripting language files that are typically protected from direct access through web server configuration. The exposure of source code can reveal application logic, database connection strings, API keys, and other sensitive information that could be leveraged for further attacks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-174, which addresses the weakness of insufficient input sanitization, and represents a critical information disclosure issue that could lead to complete application compromise. The vulnerability also maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Information Gathering and Credential Access phases, where adversaries seek to extract sensitive information from target systems.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2010-2333 requires immediate patching of the LiteSpeed Web Server to version 4.0.15 or later, which addresses the null byte handling issue in file path processing. Organizations should also implement proper input validation mechanisms at the web server level to reject or sanitize null byte characters from file access requests. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious requests containing null byte sequences. Additionally, security administrators should conduct comprehensive source code reviews to identify other potential injection points and ensure that all file access operations properly validate and sanitize user input. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and input validation standards to prevent similar issues in web application development and server configuration.