NAME

Master Index directory traversal vulnerability

AFFECTED

Linux/UNIX with Master Index

SYNOPSIS

Synnergy Labs has found a flaw within Master Index that allows a user to successfully
traverse the filesystem on a remote host, allowing arbitary files/folders to be
read.

DESCRIPTION

Master Index is a professional search engine such as Yahoo and Alta Vista.
This search engine supports loads of features. Admins can set script to automatically
add submissions or wait until confirmed by the admin, users can edit and delete their
listings, admins can add/edit/delete categories and sub-categories, and supports
unlimited listings. Product pricing is $199.95 US

Master Index can be found at:http://www.armadastyle.com/masterindex.html

Synnergy has recently discovered a flaw within Master Index that allows a remote user
to traverse the filesystem as a request to the script using the
$catigory=_some_dir_variable. It is then possible to read any file or folder's contents
with priviledges as the httpd.

Example:

http://www.target.com/cgi-bin/search/search.cgi?keys=*&prc=any&catigory=../../../../../../../../etc

The above line if given will output all the directories and the file contents, that are
nested within /etc directory. Other more sinister content can be revealed from there.

Due to the commercial license of the product we where unable to check the code for the
exact bug, or even for the discovery of more bugs.

SOLUTION

The vendors have been informed of the bug. It is advised to wait for the next patched
version of Master Index to be released.

AUTHOR

Discovery: pestilence @ synnergy.net

DISCLAIMER

Synnergy Laboratories may not be held liable for the use or potential
effects of these programs or advisories, nor the content contained
within. Use them at your own risk.