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The Simple Web Server (SWS) vulnerability allows directory traversal via symbolic links due to insufficient path validation. SWS fails to restrict access when a symlink within the web root points to files outside it. An attacker with write access to the web root can create a symlink, e.g., linking “escape.txt” to sensitive system files like “/etc/passwd” or “$HOME/.bashrc”. When a user requests the symlink via HTTP, SWS resolves and serves the target file’s content. This occurs because the server does not canonicalize paths or check if the resolved path escapes the web root directory. The vulnerability is exploitable through direct URL access or directory listings. If SWS runs with high privileges (e.g., root), it can access any file, leading to severe information disclosure. Attackers may leverage file upload features to place symlinks. The issue stems from missing access controls on symbolic link resolution within the web server’s file handling routines.
Platform: SWS
Version: Not specified
Vulnerability: Symbolic link traversal
Severity: Critical
Date: Not specified
Prediction: Patch date unknown
What Undercode Say:
Analytics:
- ln -s escape.txt $HOME/.bashrc
- http://localhost/escape.txt
How Exploit:
- Upload symlink webroot.
- Access symlink URL.
- Read sensitive files.
Protection from this CVE:
- Disable symlink following.
- Use least privileges.
- Implement path validation.
Impact:
- Sensitive information disclosure.
- Privilege escalation risk.
- System integrity compromise.
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Sources:
Reported By: github.com
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