CVE-2002-0266 in Texis
Summary
by MITRE
Thunderstone Texis CGI script allows remote attackers to obtain the full path of the web root via a request for a nonexistent file, which generates an error message that includes the full pathname.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0266 represents a classic information disclosure flaw within the Thunderstone Texis CGI script implementation. This security weakness stems from the application's improper error handling mechanism that inadvertently exposes sensitive system information to remote attackers. The vulnerability specifically affects web servers running the Texis search engine software, which is commonly used for indexing and searching web content. When an attacker submits a request for a non-existent file through the CGI interface, the system generates an error response that contains the complete server file path structure, effectively revealing the underlying filesystem organization to unauthorized parties.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure flaws in software systems. The flaw occurs because the CGI script lacks proper input validation and error message sanitization procedures. When processing requests for nonexistent resources, the system does not filter or obfuscate the error output to prevent path disclosure. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and defense in depth, as the application exposes internal system details that should remain confidential. The error message generation process directly leaks the web root path, which typically includes the full directory structure where the web server files are stored, potentially exposing sensitive information about the server's configuration and deployment environment.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability significantly increases the risk profile for affected systems by providing attackers with critical reconnaissance data. The disclosed path information enables attackers to better understand the target environment's structure, potentially facilitating more sophisticated attacks such as directory traversal exploits, local file inclusion vulnerabilities, or targeted attacks against specific system components. The exposure of the web root path also provides attackers with insights into the server's hosting configuration, which can be leveraged to craft more effective attack vectors. This information disclosure vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for attackers to escalate their privileges or conduct further reconnaissance activities, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications share the same server infrastructure.
The vulnerability demonstrates a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and proper error handling as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and error handling procedures to prevent such information disclosure scenarios. Mitigation strategies should include configuring the web server to return generic error messages instead of detailed system information, implementing proper logging mechanisms to detect suspicious activity, and ensuring that all error responses are sanitized before being transmitted to clients. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application stack. The implementation of a robust security patch management process is essential to ensure that such flaws are addressed promptly and that systems remain protected against known vulnerabilities.