CVE-2001-0926 in JRun
Summary
by MITRE
SSIFilter in Allaire JRun 3.1, 3.0 and 2.3.3 allows remote attackers to obtain source code for Java server pages (.jsp) and other files in the web root via an HTTP request for a non-existent SSI page, in which the request s body has an #include statement.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0926 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Allaire JRun versions 2.3.3, 3.0, and 3.1. This issue specifically affects the SSIFilter component which processes Server Side Includes within the web application server environment. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of HTTP requests that contain SSI include directives for non-existent files, creating a pathway for remote attackers to extract sensitive source code and configuration files from the web root directory. The flaw operates by exploiting the server's response to malformed requests that attempt to include non-existent files through the SSI mechanism, which inadvertently reveals the contents of files in the web application directory structure.
This vulnerability falls under CWE-200, Information Exposure, and represents a classic case of insufficient input validation combined with inadequate access controls. The technical implementation allows attackers to construct HTTP requests that contain SSI include statements pointing to non-existent files within the web root. When the SSIFilter processes these requests, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the include directives, leading to the unintended disclosure of source code for Java Server Pages and other sensitive files. The attack vector specifically leverages the server's attempt to resolve these non-existent includes, which triggers the disclosure of file contents rather than simply returning a 404 error. This behavior creates a significant information leakage scenario where attackers can systematically extract source code, configuration files, and potentially sensitive data from the target server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed source code can contain sensitive information including database connection strings, API keys, business logic, and application architecture details. Attackers can leverage this information to craft more sophisticated attacks against the application, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad and can be categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1212 - Exploitation for Credential Access, as the disclosed source code often contains authentication mechanisms and credential storage patterns. Additionally, the vulnerability enables reconnaissance activities that can be used for further exploitation, as the exposed source code provides attackers with detailed knowledge of application internals, file structures, and potential attack surfaces.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected JRun versions to address the flawed SSIFilter implementation. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization for all SSI include directives, ensuring that the server does not attempt to resolve includes for non-existent files in a manner that reveals file contents. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious SSI include patterns, while proper access controls and file permissions should be implemented to limit the exposure of sensitive files within the web root. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of file access attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security configuration and input validation in web application servers, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates and vulnerability assessments in enterprise web environments.