CVE-2000-0629 in Java System Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of the Sun Java web server 2.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands by uploading Java code to the server via board.html, then directly calling the JSP compiler servlet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0629 represents a critical security flaw in the Sun Java Web Server 2.0 and earlier versions that stems from improper configuration and inadequate input validation mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically targets the server's handling of file uploads and Java Server Page execution processes, creating a pathway for remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access and execute malicious code within the server environment. The issue arises from the server's default configuration that fails to properly sanitize or restrict file upload operations, particularly when dealing with html files that contain embedded Java code. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to upload malicious code through a seemingly benign file named board.html, which then serves as an entry point for executing arbitrary commands on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the server's inability to properly distinguish between legitimate and malicious content during the file upload process. When an attacker uploads a file named board.html containing malicious Java code, the server processes this content without adequate validation, allowing the embedded code to be executed directly by the JSP compiler servlet. This flaw constitutes a classic command injection vulnerability that operates at the application layer, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary system commands with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-22, which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-74, which deals with improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component. The attack vector leverages the server's default configuration that permits file uploads without proper security controls, making it a configuration-related weakness that significantly amplifies the impact of the underlying code execution flaw.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0629 is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Once successfully exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or use of the server as a launching point for attacks on other systems within the network. The vulnerability allows for privilege escalation and persistent access to the compromised system, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on the affected server for critical operations. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps to several techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically covering T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts, as well as T1566 for phishing with malicious attachments that could contain the malicious board.html file. The vulnerability also relates to T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1083 for file and directory discovery, as attackers would need to identify the correct upload mechanism and understand the server's file handling processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0629 should focus on both immediate configuration changes and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should immediately disable unnecessary file upload capabilities or implement strict file type validation and content inspection mechanisms to prevent the upload of executable code. The server configuration should be reviewed to ensure that file upload directories are properly restricted and that uploaded files are scanned for malicious content before execution. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar configuration vulnerabilities across all web server installations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of principle of least privilege and proper input validation, as recommended by the OWASP Top Ten and other security frameworks, emphasizing that servers should never be configured to accept arbitrary code execution without proper security controls in place. System administrators should also implement monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect suspicious file upload activities and unauthorized command execution attempts that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.