CVE-2011-3502 in Cogent DataHub
Summary
by MITRE
The web server in Cogent DataHub 7.1.1.63 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain the source code of executable files via a request with a trailing (1) space or (2) %2e (encoded dot).
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3502 affects the Cogent DataHub web server version 7.1.1.63 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access sensitive source code files through crafted HTTP requests. This vulnerability specifically targets the web server's handling of file paths and directory traversal mechanisms, exploiting a fundamental flaw in how the system processes requests containing trailing spaces or URL-encoded dots. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and improper path resolution within the web server's file access routines, allowing malicious actors to bypass normal access controls and retrieve executable source code that should remain protected within the system's file structure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct methods that leverage the web server's lenient interpretation of file path requests. Attackers can append a trailing space character or utilize the URL-encoded representation of a dot character %2e to manipulate the server's file resolution process. When these malformed requests are processed, the web server fails to properly sanitize the input paths, causing it to traverse the file system in unexpected ways and return the contents of executable files rather than the intended resources. This behavior directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a critical failure in the server's access control implementation. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22, which addresses Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal or Directory Traversal attacks, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3502 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposure of source code files can provide attackers with detailed insights into the application's internal architecture, implementation logic, and potential security weaknesses. This information can be leveraged to identify additional vulnerabilities, understand the system's behavior patterns, and develop more sophisticated attack vectors targeting the broader application ecosystem. The disclosure of executable source code may reveal hardcoded credentials, sensitive algorithm implementations, or architectural flaws that could be exploited in subsequent phases of an attack. Organizations utilizing affected Cogent DataHub versions face significant risk of unauthorized access to proprietary code, intellectual property exposure, and potential compromise of their operational infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage it from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where such servers are exposed to external traffic.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3502 should focus on implementing robust input validation and proper path sanitization mechanisms within the web server's file access handlers. System administrators should immediately upgrade to Cogent DataHub version 7.1.1.64 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the path traversal vulnerability. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems should be configured to monitor and block requests containing suspicious path characters or sequences that could be used to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, restricting file system permissions, and conducting regular security assessments of web server configurations can help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive source code files. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring solutions to detect unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while ensuring that all web-facing systems undergo regular vulnerability scanning and security hardening processes to maintain robust defense-in-depth posture against similar threats.