CVE-2010-4369 in AWStats
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in AWStats before 7.0 allows remote attackers to have an unspecified impact via a crafted LoadPlugin directory.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2021
The CVE-2010-4369 vulnerability represents a directory traversal flaw in AWStats version 7.0 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk for web analytics systems. AWStats is a popular open-source tool used for analyzing web server logs and generating detailed reports about website traffic, making it a critical component in many organizations' monitoring infrastructure. This vulnerability specifically affects the LoadPlugin functionality, which is designed to load additional modules and plugins for extended analytics capabilities. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation when processing directory paths, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the plugin loading mechanism through crafted directory references.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user-supplied input within the AWStats application. When the LoadPlugin feature processes directory paths, it fails to adequately validate or sanitize the input parameters, creating an opportunity for attackers to traverse the file system hierarchy. This directory traversal capability enables attackers to access files and directories that should normally be restricted, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive system information, configuration files, or even execution of arbitrary code depending on the server configuration and file permissions. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests that manipulate the LoadPlugin parameter with malicious directory traversal sequences.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4369 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise depending on the environment. Organizations utilizing vulnerable AWStats installations face risks including unauthorized access to web server logs, exposure of sensitive configuration data, and potential privilege escalation opportunities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because AWStats is often deployed in shared hosting environments or enterprise settings where it may have elevated privileges to access system resources. Attackers could leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information from the server, potentially gaining insights into other applications, user credentials, or system configurations that could facilitate further attacks within the network. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4369 should focus on immediate patching of affected AWStats installations to version 7.0 or later, where the directory traversal vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures within their web applications, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are thoroughly validated before processing. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit exposure of AWStats installations to untrusted networks. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in plugin loading requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 Phishing, as attackers may use this flaw to gain initial access or escalate privileges within compromised systems. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other web applications, as directory traversal vulnerabilities are commonly found in applications that improperly handle file system paths. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to provide additional protection against such attacks, though the most effective mitigation remains updating to patched versions of the vulnerable software.