CVE-2000-0883 in Mandrake Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of mod_perl for Apache as installed on Mandrake Linux 6.1 through 7.1 sets the /perl/ directory to be browseable, which allows remote attackers to list the contents of that directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0883 represents a critical misconfiguration issue within the mod_perl module installation on Mandrake Linux systems. This flaw stems from the default installation settings that inadvertently expose sensitive server directories to unauthorized access. The mod_perl module, which integrates perl scripting capabilities with the Apache web server, was configured in a manner that permitted directory listing of the /perl/ path, creating an information disclosure vulnerability that could be exploited by remote attackers. The affected versions encompass Mandrake Linux 6.1 through 7.1, indicating this was a widespread issue affecting multiple releases of the operating system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-548, which addresses information exposure through directory listing, and represents a fundamental security misconfiguration rather than a code-level flaw. The flaw occurs at the configuration level where the web server's directory permissions are improperly set, allowing HTTP GET requests to enumerate the contents of the perl directory. This configuration exposes not only the directory structure but potentially sensitive information about perl scripts, modules, and other server-side components that might be stored within this path. Attackers could leverage this information to identify installed perl modules, understand the server's perl environment, and potentially discover additional attack vectors or system components that might be vulnerable to exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with reconnaissance capabilities that could lead to more sophisticated attacks. The exposure of directory contents could reveal the presence of custom perl scripts, configuration files, or other server components that might contain sensitive data or implementation details. This information disclosure vulnerability could be particularly dangerous in environments where the perl directory contains applications or scripts with weak security controls. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1213.002 (Data from Information Repositories) and T1083 (File and Directory Discovery), as it enables adversaries to gather system information through directory enumeration techniques. The vulnerability also contributes to T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments) when combined with the potential to discover and target specific perl applications.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability involves immediate configuration changes to disable directory browsing for the /perl/ directory and other sensitive paths. System administrators should modify the Apache configuration files to explicitly disable directory listing using the Options -Indexes directive or equivalent settings. Additionally, the mod_perl module should be reconfigured with proper security settings that restrict access to sensitive directories while maintaining necessary functionality. The remediation process requires careful attention to ensure that legitimate access to perl applications is preserved while eliminating the information disclosure risk. Organizations should implement regular security audits to verify that web server configurations comply with security best practices and that no unintended directory listings are enabled. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure default configurations and the critical need for proper security hardening of web server installations. The issue also underscores the necessity of maintaining current security practices and regularly reviewing system configurations to prevent similar misconfigurations from occurring in other components of the web infrastructure.