CVE-2010-3743 in Visual Synapse
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Visual Synapse HTTP Server 1.0 RC1 through RC3, and 0.60 and earlier, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3743 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Visual Synapse HTTP Server software across multiple versions including release candidates 1.0 RC1 through RC3 and version 0.60 and earlier. This security weakness fundamentally compromises the server's ability to properly validate and sanitize incoming Uniform Resource Identifier requests, creating an avenue for malicious actors to access files outside the intended web root directory. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the server fails to adequately process or reject URI sequences containing double dot characters that indicate parent directory references, allowing attackers to navigate the file system beyond the designated boundaries.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the HTTP server's request processing pipeline. When a malicious URI containing sequences such as ../../etc/passwd or ../../../windows/system32/drivers/etc/hosts is submitted to the vulnerable server, the application does not properly sanitize these path traversal sequences before attempting to locate and serve the requested resources. This failure in path normalization and validation creates a direct pathway for arbitrary file access, enabling attackers to retrieve sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially confidential information that should remain restricted to authorized users only.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access critical system resources that could lead to further exploitation opportunities. An attacker could potentially retrieve system configuration files, user credentials stored in configuration databases, application source code, or even access to database files that may contain sensitive personal or financial information. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged from any network location with internet connectivity to the affected server. This characteristic aligns with the attack pattern described in the ATT&CK framework under the technique of "T1083 - File and Directory Discovery" and could facilitate subsequent attacks involving privilege escalation or lateral movement within compromised networks.
From a cybersecurity standards perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22 - "Improper Limiting of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" which is classified as a fundamental weakness in software design that enables unauthorized access to files and directories. The vulnerability's presence in multiple versions of the Visual Synapse HTTP Server indicates a persistent design flaw that was not adequately addressed during the software development lifecycle, suggesting potential issues with input validation testing and security code review processes. Organizations utilizing this software would be at significant risk of data breaches, compliance violations, and potential regulatory penalties if sensitive information is accessed through this vector. The remediation strategy should focus on immediate patching of the affected software versions, implementation of proper input validation measures, and consideration of web application firewalls or other protective measures to prevent similar attacks on other applications within the network infrastructure.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in web server implementations. It highlights how seemingly simple path traversal sequences can lead to catastrophic security breaches when not properly handled by application developers. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the necessity for comprehensive security testing, including penetration testing and code review processes that specifically target common web application vulnerabilities such as path traversal attacks. Organizations should implement robust monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unusual file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that all web server software components are regularly updated and maintained to address known security vulnerabilities in a timely manner.