CVE-1999-1377 is a directory traversal vulnerability found in Matt Wright's download.cgi version 1.0. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files on the affected server by exploiting insufficient input validation on the 'f' parameter. Specifically, an attacker can include '..' (dot dot) sequences in the 'f' parameter to traverse directories outside the intended download directory and access sensitive files anywhere on the filesystem that the web server process has permission to read. The vulnerability does not require authentication and can be exploited remotely over the network. The impact is limited to confidentiality, as the attacker can read files but cannot modify or delete them, nor can they cause denial of service. The CVSS score is 5.0 (medium severity) with vector AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N, indicating network attack vector, low attack complexity, no authentication required, partial confidentiality impact, and no integrity or availability impact. No patches are available for this vulnerability, and there are no known exploits in the wild. Given the age of the software (published in 1999) and the lack of patch availability, systems still running this software version remain vulnerable if exposed to untrusted networks.

For European organizations, the primary impact of this vulnerability is unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information stored on web servers running Matt Wright's download.cgi 1.0. This could include configuration files, password files, or other confidential data that could facilitate further attacks or data breaches. Although the vulnerability does not allow modification or disruption of services, the confidentiality breach could violate data protection regulations such as the GDPR, leading to legal and reputational consequences. Organizations using legacy or unmaintained web applications that include this CGI script are at risk, especially if these applications are internet-facing without proper access controls. The medium severity rating suggests a moderate risk, but the actual impact depends on the sensitivity of the exposed files and the presence of compensating controls.

Since no official patch is available, European organizations should prioritize the following mitigations: 1) Immediately remove or disable the download.cgi 1.0 script from all web servers, especially those exposed to the internet. 2) If the script is required, implement strict input validation and sanitization on the 'f' parameter to prevent directory traversal sequences such as '..'. 3) Restrict web server permissions to limit file access only to necessary directories, minimizing the impact of potential traversal. 4) Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block directory traversal attempts targeting the 'f' parameter. 5) Conduct thorough audits of web applications to identify legacy CGI scripts and replace them with modern, secure alternatives. 6) Monitor web server logs for suspicious requests containing '..' sequences or unusual file access patterns. 7) Segment and isolate legacy systems to reduce exposure to critical assets. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on legacy CGI script management, input validation, and compensating controls in the absence of patches.