CVE-2002-0095 in BSCW
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of BSCW (Basic Support for Cooperative Work) 3.x and possibly version 4 enables user self registration, which could allow remote attackers to upload files and possibly join a user community that was intended to be closed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0095 affects BSCW (Basic Support for Cooperative Work) versions 3.x and potentially 4.x, representing a significant security flaw in collaborative software systems. This issue stems from the default configuration settings that permit user self-registration, creating an unintended access vector that undermines the security posture of cooperative work environments. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insecure default configurations where security measures are not properly implemented at the system level, leaving collaborative platforms susceptible to unauthorized access and potential exploitation by remote attackers.
The technical flaw manifests through the absence of proper access controls and authentication mechanisms in the default BSCW deployment. When user self-registration is enabled by default, it bypasses the intended administrative oversight that should govern community membership and access permissions. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to collaborative environments, potentially uploading malicious files and establishing presence within communities that were designed to remain closed and secure. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-284 which addresses improper access control and CWE-255 which covers insecure default passwords, though the specific manifestation here focuses on registration and access control misconfigurations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates potential pathways for malicious file uploads that could compromise the entire collaborative environment. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to infiltrate closed communities, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized modifications to collaborative projects, and the introduction of malware or malicious content into shared workspaces. The implications are particularly severe in professional settings where BSCW systems are used for sensitive project collaboration, document sharing, and team coordination, as unauthorized access could result in intellectual property theft, operational disruption, and compliance violations.
Organizations utilizing BSCW systems should implement immediate mitigations including disabling automatic user registration, enforcing strict administrative approval processes for new users, and implementing proper access controls that align with the intended security model of the collaborative environment. System administrators must review and modify default configurations to ensure that user registration policies align with organizational security requirements rather than defaulting to permissive settings. The vulnerability highlights the importance of security by design principles and the critical need for comprehensive security assessments during system deployment, particularly for collaborative platforms where access control and user management are fundamental to operational security. This issue also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation, as unauthorized access through default misconfigurations can lead to broader system compromise and persistent access within collaborative environments.