CVE-2000-1247 in jserv
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of the jserv-status handler in jserv.conf in Apache JServ 1.1.2 includes an "allow from 127.0.0.1" line, which allows local users to discover JDBC passwords or other sensitive information via a direct request to the jserv/ URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/11/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-1247 represents a critical access control flaw in the Apache JServ 1.1.2 web server implementation that stems from improper default configuration practices. This issue specifically affects the jserv-status handler component which is designed to provide administrative information about the server's status and operations. The vulnerability arises from the default jserv.conf configuration file that contains an "allow from 127.0.0.1" directive, creating an unintended security exposure that allows local system users to access sensitive administrative information through direct URI requests to the jserv/ endpoint. This configuration oversight demonstrates a fundamental failure in applying the principle of least privilege and proper network segmentation within the server's access control mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a simple direct request to the jserv/ URI, which bypasses normal authentication mechanisms and exposes sensitive information including JDBC passwords and other confidential data. This represents a classic case of insufficient access control where the server's default configuration fails to properly restrict access to administrative endpoints. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 as an improper access control issue, specifically involving inadequate permissions for administrative functions. The flaw allows local users to retrieve information that should only be accessible to authorized administrators, effectively creating an information disclosure vulnerability that can lead to further exploitation. The use of the loopback address 127.0.0.1 in the default configuration creates a false sense of security while simultaneously providing unauthorized access to sensitive server information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within the compromised system. Local users who can access the jserv-status handler can obtain JDBC connection strings and passwords, which may provide access to backend databases and other sensitive systems. This information can be leveraged to escalate privileges or conduct further reconnaissance against the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges to exploit and can be accessed through standard web requests, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to gain deeper access to systems. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) as it provides unauthorized access to sensitive configuration information that can be used for further attacks.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability involve immediate configuration changes to properly restrict access to the jserv-status handler. Administrators should modify the jserv.conf file to remove or modify the "allow from 127.0.0.1" directive and implement proper access controls using more restrictive patterns such as specific IP address ranges or authentication mechanisms. The configuration should be updated to ensure that only authorized administrative users can access the status handler, and the default configuration files should be reviewed and hardened to prevent similar issues. Additionally, organizations should implement regular security audits of their web server configurations to identify and remediate similar access control flaws. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices and avoiding default configurations that may expose sensitive functionality to unauthorized users, particularly in production environments where proper access controls are essential for maintaining system integrity and protecting sensitive data assets.