CVE-2018-16478 in simplehttpserver
Summary
by MITRE
A Path Traversal in simplehttpserver versions <=0.2.1 allows to list any file in another folder of web root.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-16478 represents a critical path traversal flaw within simplehttpserver versions 0.2.1 and earlier. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and improper handling of file paths within the web server implementation. The vulnerability allows authenticated and unauthenticated attackers to access files outside the designated web root directory through crafted requests that manipulate the path traversal mechanism.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the simplehttpserver component fails to properly sanitize user-supplied path parameters. Attackers can construct malicious URLs containing sequences such as ../ or ..\ that bypass directory restrictions and enable access to files in parent directories. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22 Path Traversal vulnerability classification, which is categorized under the weakness type of Path Traversal in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The vulnerability manifests as an improper restriction of operations within a recognized access control mechanism, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive files and directories.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-16478 extends beyond simple file enumeration, potentially exposing sensitive system information, configuration files, and potentially even credentials or private keys stored in accessible locations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into the system architecture, access application source code, or retrieve database connection strings and other confidential data. The implications are particularly severe in environments where the web server serves as a gateway to internal systems or where sensitive files are stored within the web root hierarchy. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery, as it enables attackers to enumerate file systems and identify valuable targets for further exploitation.
Organizations utilizing simplehttpserver versions affected by CVE-2018-16478 should prioritize immediate remediation through version updates to the latest stable release that addresses the path traversal vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation, sanitization, and access control mechanisms can serve as effective mitigations. Network segmentation and firewall rules should restrict access to web servers hosting sensitive content. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper path validation and the principle of least privilege in web server configurations. Regular security assessments and dependency updates should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced into production environments. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious path traversal attempts and other malicious activities targeting web server components.