CVE-2000-0539 in JRun
Summary
by MITRE
Servlet examples in Allaire JRun 2.3.x allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information, e.g. listing HttpSession ID s via the SessionServlet servlet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0539 resides within the Allaire JRun 2.3.x application server platform, specifically affecting the servlet examples component that ships with the software. This issue represents a significant information disclosure weakness that could be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive session identifiers and other confidential data. The vulnerability manifests through the SessionServlet servlet which is part of the default examples bundled with JRun, making it readily available for exploitation without requiring specialized knowledge of the underlying system architecture.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate access controls and improper session management within the example servlets provided with JRun 2.3.x. When attackers access the SessionServlet through a web browser or automated tools, they can retrieve session identifiers and other sensitive information that should normally be protected from unauthorized access. This occurs because the servlet does not properly validate incoming requests or implement authentication mechanisms before exposing session data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows attackers to obtain HttpSession IDs which can then be used for session hijacking attacks, potentially leading to full system compromise. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-200 which covers improper exposure of sensitive information, while the ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers can use the obtained session identifiers to impersonate legitimate users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential system compromise and data breach scenarios. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can obtain session identifiers that may be used to impersonate legitimate users within the application, potentially gaining access to restricted resources, performing unauthorized transactions, or accessing sensitive user data. The vulnerability affects the entire JRun 2.3.x ecosystem and impacts organizations that have not properly secured their example servlets or updated to patched versions. The exposure of HttpSession IDs creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the vulnerability is properly addressed through patching or configuration changes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0539 primarily involve immediate patching of the JRun 2.3.x platform to a version that addresses the session management flaws in the example servlets. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the example servlets and ensure that only authorized personnel can access these components. Configuration changes should include disabling or removing the example servlets from production environments, implementing proper access controls, and ensuring that session identifiers are properly secured through encryption and secure transmission protocols. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other application server components, particularly focusing on proper session management practices that align with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in web application development.