CVE-2002-0061 in HTTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Apache for Win32 before 1.3.24, and 2.0.x before 2.0.34-beta, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters (a | pipe character) provided as arguments to batch (.bat) or .cmd scripts, which are sent unfiltered to the shell interpreter, typically cmd.exe.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2025
This vulnerability exists in Apache HTTP Server versions 1.3.23 and earlier, as well as 2.0.x versions before 2.0.34-beta, specifically affecting the Windows implementation of the web server. The flaw stems from improper input validation when processing arguments passed to batch files or command scripts on Windows systems. When Apache receives requests that include shell metacharacters such as the pipe character |, these characters are not properly sanitized before being executed by the underlying Windows command interpreter. This creates a critical command injection vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system with the privileges of the Apache service account.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the Windows command shell's interpretation of metacharacters within script execution contexts. When Apache processes requests containing specially crafted arguments that include pipe characters or other shell metacharacters, it passes these unfiltered inputs directly to cmd.exe or similar command processors. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of input sanitization and privilege separation, as the web server essentially becomes a conduit for executing arbitrary system commands. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the operating system level rather than within the web application itself, making it difficult to detect and mitigate through traditional web application security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations running affected Apache versions on Windows platforms. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute commands with the privileges of the Apache service, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects not only the web server's ability to process requests but also creates a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive files, and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to web content, modification of web applications, and complete loss of control over affected servers. The vulnerability also impacts the integrity and availability of web services, as attackers can potentially crash the web server or manipulate web content to serve malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of Apache installations to versions 1.3.24 or 2.0.34-beta, which contain proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to potentially vulnerable Apache installations and ensure that Apache services run with minimal required privileges. Input validation should be implemented at multiple layers, including web application firewalls and server-side validation of all user-supplied data. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unusual command execution patterns and implement proper logging and alerting mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of system commands through web interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege configurations and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of their web infrastructure.