CVE-2013-3739 in .network Weathermap
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in editor.php in Network Weathermap 0.97c and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the mapname parameter in a show_config action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2025
The CVE-2013-3739 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Network Weathermap web application version 0.97c and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the editor.php script and specifically targets the mapname parameter when processing show_config actions. The flaw allows remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by exploiting improper input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to adequately sanitize user-supplied input, enabling malicious actors to manipulate file paths through directory traversal sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the .. (dot dot) traversal sequence to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. When an attacker submits a crafted mapname parameter containing directory traversal sequences, the application processes these inputs without proper validation, allowing access to files outside the designated web root or configuration directories. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input sanitization and output encoding that enables attackers to manipulate file access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can potentially access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, system files, and other confidential data stored on the server. This exposure could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized access to network infrastructure information that Network Weathermap typically manages. The vulnerability affects not only the application's integrity but also its availability and confidentiality, as attackers can read files that should remain protected. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited to gain insights into the underlying system architecture and potentially escalate privileges if sensitive configuration files contain authentication details or system paths.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments) as attackers can use this flaw to discover and extract sensitive files from compromised systems. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local system credentials to leverage the flaw. Organizations using Network Weathermap versions prior to 0.97d are particularly vulnerable, as this specific version included patches addressing the directory traversal issue. Security professionals should consider implementing network segmentation, web application firewalls, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. The incident underscores the critical importance of input validation, proper access controls, and regular software updates in maintaining secure web applications. Organizations should also implement principle of least privilege access controls and conduct regular security audits to identify and remediate similar path traversal vulnerabilities in their web applications.