CVE-2011-3500 in Cogent DataHub
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the web server in Cogent DataHub 7.1.1.63 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a ..\ (dot dot backslash) in an HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2021
The CVE-2011-3500 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the web server component of Cogent DataHub versions 7.1.1.63 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the web server implementation that processes HTTP requests and fails to properly validate or sanitize input containing directory traversal sequences. The specific exploitation vector involves the use of ..\ (dot dot backslash) sequences within HTTP requests, which allows attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem.
This directory traversal vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path normalization within the web server's file access mechanisms. When the web server processes an HTTP request containing a ..\ sequence, it fails to properly sanitize the input before attempting to resolve the file path, enabling attackers to craft malicious requests that bypass normal access controls. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This weakness allows unauthorized access to files that should normally be restricted, potentially exposing sensitive data, configuration files, or system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3500 is significant as it provides remote attackers with the capability to read arbitrary files from the server filesystem without authentication. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive information such as configuration files, user credentials, application source code, or other confidential data stored on the server. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or local system privileges to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the web server is exposed to untrusted networks. This type of vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors, as it enables information disclosure that can be used for further exploitation.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) tactics. Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense including input validation, proper path normalization, and access control mechanisms to mitigate this vulnerability. Organizations should immediately apply patches provided by Cogent for DataHub versions 7.1.1.63 and earlier, as well as implement web application firewalls that can detect and block directory traversal attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and input validation testing should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future implementations. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input sanitization and the principle of least privilege in web server implementations to prevent unauthorized access to system resources.