CVE-2002-0300 in gnujsp
Summary
by MITRE
gnujsp 1.0.0 and 1.0.1 allows remote attackers to list directories, read source code of certain scripts, and bypass access restrictions by directly requesting the target file from the gnujsp servlet, which does not work around a limitation of JServ and does not process the requested file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0300 affects GNUjsp versions 1.0.0 and 1.0.1, representing a significant security flaw in web application scripting frameworks that enables unauthorized access to sensitive server resources. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the GNUjsp servlet implementation, which fails to properly sanitize file requests and enforce proper authorization checks. The flaw allows remote attackers to bypass normal access restrictions by directly accessing target files through the servlet interface, creating a pathway for information disclosure and potential system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-22, which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The vulnerability exists because the GNUjsp servlet does not adequately process or validate file requests, allowing malicious actors to circumvent normal file access controls. When a user directly requests a file through the servlet, the system fails to implement proper access restrictions that would normally be enforced by the JServ framework, which the application is designed to work around. This creates a critical gap in the security model where any file within the server's file system can potentially be accessed through direct servlet invocation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to enumerate directory structures and access source code files that should remain protected. This capability enables threat actors to gather intelligence about the application architecture, identify potential attack vectors, and potentially discover additional vulnerabilities within the system. The ability to read source code of scripts represents a significant risk as it exposes implementation details, configuration parameters, and potentially sensitive logic that could be exploited in subsequent attacks. Furthermore, the directory listing capability allows for comprehensive reconnaissance of the server's file structure, which can reveal additional sensitive files or misconfigurations.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which focuses on discovering system information through directory listing and file enumeration activities. The vulnerability essentially provides an unauthenticated attack surface that enables threat actors to perform reconnaissance without requiring prior access credentials. The impact is particularly severe because it affects the core servlet functionality that should normally enforce strict access controls, creating a fundamental breakdown in the application's security architecture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and access control mechanisms within the servlet implementation. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of GNUjsp or implement compensating controls such as proper file path validation, access restriction enforcement, and input sanitization. The fix should ensure that all file requests are properly validated against a whitelist of allowed paths, and that the servlet enforces appropriate authorization checks before serving any content. Additionally, system administrators should review and restrict file permissions on web-accessible directories to minimize the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, implementing principle of least privilege access controls throughout the application architecture.