CVE-2011-0049 in Majordomo 2
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the _list_file_get function in lib/Majordomo.pm in Majordomo 2 before 20110131 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via .. (dot dot) sequences in the help command, as demonstrated using (1) a crafted email and (2) cgi-bin/mj_wwwusr in the web interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0049 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Majordomo mailing list management system, specifically affecting versions prior to 20110131. This security weakness resides in the _list_file_get function located within the lib/Majordomo.pm module, which processes user input without proper validation or sanitization. The flaw manifests when the help command processes .. (dot dot) sequences, allowing malicious actors to navigate through the file system hierarchy and access files that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of input validation in the Majordomo application's file handling mechanisms. When a user submits a help command containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, the application fails to properly sanitize these inputs before using them in file system operations. This allows an attacker to bypass normal access controls and potentially read sensitive files including configuration data, password files, or other system resources that reside outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability can be exploited through two primary vectors: via crafted email submissions to the mailing list system and through direct manipulation of the cgi-bin/mj_wwwusr web interface component.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0049 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access potentially sensitive system information that could be used for further exploitation. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could obtain system configuration details, user credentials, or other confidential data stored in files accessible through the affected application. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects both the email-based interaction mechanism and the web-based interface, providing multiple attack surfaces for potential exploitation. This dual-vector nature increases the likelihood of successful compromise and reduces the effectiveness of traditional perimeter-based security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0049 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization within the Majordomo application. The most effective solution involves updating to Majordomo version 20110131 or later, which contains patches addressing the directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should also implement additional security controls including web application firewalls that can detect and block directory traversal attempts, restricting file access permissions to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation, and implementing proper access controls that limit the impact of any potential compromise. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper access control implementation in preventing unauthorized file system access.