CVE-2001-1073 in PX Application Suite
Summary
by MITRE
Webridge PX Application Suite allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a malformed request that generates a server error message, which includes full pathname or internal IP address information in the variables (1) APPL_PHYSICAL_PATH, (2) PATH_TRANSLATED, and (3) LOCAL_ADDR.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1073 affects the Webridge PX Application Suite, a web application server that processes HTTP requests and generates responses. This security flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that exposes sensitive system details to remote attackers through malformed HTTP requests. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates how improper error handling can lead to unintended information leakage that provides attackers with critical system reconnaissance data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's inadequate error message handling mechanism within the Webridge PX suite. When a malformed request is received, the system generates a server error response that inadvertently includes sensitive path information in three specific variables: APPL_PHYSICAL_PATH, PATH_TRANSLATED, and LOCAL_ADDR. These variables contain the full physical path to the application directory, the translated path of the requested resource, and the local IP address respectively. The inclusion of these elements in error messages creates a direct information disclosure channel that reveals internal system architecture and network configuration details.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks. The exposed pathname information can reveal the exact directory structure of the web server, potentially enabling attackers to identify application-specific files, configuration settings, or even locate other vulnerable applications running on the same server. The LOCAL_ADDR information exposes internal IP addresses that can be used for network mapping, port scanning, or targeted attacks against internal systems. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure through error messages, and represents a fundamental failure in secure error handling practices.
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending carefully crafted malformed HTTP requests to the Webridge PX server, triggering the error response that contains the sensitive path information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication or specialized privileges to exploit, making it a low-hanging fruit for attackers seeking to gather reconnaissance data. This type of attack pattern corresponds to techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under the reconnaissance phase, specifically targeting information gathering and system enumeration activities. The vulnerability also demonstrates weaknesses in the principle of least privilege and proper input validation, as the application fails to sanitize or filter error messages before returning them to clients.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper error handling mechanisms that prevent sensitive information disclosure in error responses. Organizations should configure the Webridge PX Application Suite to return generic error messages that do not contain system-specific information such as file paths or IP addresses. The implementation of input validation and sanitization controls can help prevent malformed requests from triggering error responses that expose internal system details. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper logging and monitoring to detect unusual request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security hardening practices should include disabling detailed error messages in production environments and ensuring that error handling routines do not inadvertently expose internal system information. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling as outlined in various security standards including OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.