CVE-2000-0628 in Apache::ASP
Summary
by MITRE
The source.asp example script in the Apache ASP module Apache::ASP 1.93 and earlier allows remote attackers to modify files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0628 resides within the Apache ASP module version 1.93 and earlier, specifically targeting the source.asp example script that is included with the module. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to manipulate files on the affected system, potentially leading to unauthorized data modification or system compromise. The Apache::ASP module serves as a server-side scripting engine that allows developers to create dynamic web content using active server pages syntax within the Apache HTTP server environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the source.asp script. When users interact with this script, the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters that dictate file operations, creating a path traversal or file manipulation vulnerability. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that target the script with specially formatted parameters, allowing them to specify arbitrary file paths and perform operations such as reading, writing, or modifying files on the server filesystem. This represents a classic example of inadequate authorization checks and improper input sanitization, which aligns with CWE-22 (Path Traversal) and CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path) categories within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial and multifaceted, particularly in environments where the Apache::ASP module is deployed. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive files, potentially including configuration files, database credentials, or application source code. The ability to modify files opens doors for persistent attacks, allowing threat actors to plant backdoors, alter system configurations, or inject malicious code into the web application. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on the Apache::ASP module for dynamic content generation and can be exploited from any location with network access to the vulnerable server. The attack surface is widened by the fact that this affects default example scripts that may not be properly secured or removed from production environments, making it a common target for automated scanning tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0628 should focus on immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to Apache::ASP version 1.94 or later, where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and access control implementations. Organizations should also implement comprehensive file access controls and ensure that example scripts are either removed from production environments or properly secured with appropriate authorization checks. Network-level protections such as firewall rules can help limit access to vulnerable endpoints, while web application firewalls may provide additional detection capabilities for suspicious file manipulation attempts. From an operational security standpoint, regular security assessments of web server configurations and application code should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation, aligning with ATT&CK techniques such as T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) where attackers may escalate privileges through file manipulation. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the need for secure coding practices and proper security testing of web application components, particularly those that handle file system operations or user-supplied data.