CVE-2002-0463 in ARSC Really Simple Chat
Summary
by MITRE
home.php in ARSC (Really Simple Chat) 1.0.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to determine the full pathname of the web server via an invalid language in the arsc_language parameter, which leaks the pathname in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0463 affects ARSC (Really Simple Chat) version 1.0.1 and earlier, presenting a significant information disclosure risk through improper error handling mechanisms. This flaw exists within the home.php script where the application fails to properly validate user input parameters, specifically the arsc_language parameter that controls language selection for the chat interface. When an attacker submits an invalid language value through this parameter, the application generates an error message that inadvertently reveals the complete server filesystem path, providing attackers with critical system information that could be leveraged for further exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's lack of proper input sanitization and error handling practices. When the arsc_language parameter contains an invalid or non-existent language value, the system attempts to process this input but fails to implement adequate validation checks. Instead of gracefully handling the invalid input with a generic error or redirecting to a default language setting, the application exposes internal system details through error messages that include the full server pathname. This represents a classic case of insecure error handling where system internals are disclosed to unauthorized users, violating fundamental security principles of least privilege and defense in depth.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations deploying ARSC chat applications, as it provides attackers with precise knowledge of the server's file structure and directory layout. The leaked pathname information can be used to map the server environment, identify potential attack vectors, and facilitate more sophisticated exploitation techniques. Attackers can use this information to craft targeted attacks against specific file paths, understand the application's architecture, and potentially identify other vulnerabilities within the same system. The vulnerability also violates several security standards including CWE-200, which addresses improper error handling and information exposure, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, which involves exploitation of information disclosure vulnerabilities.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate implementation of proper input validation and secure error handling mechanisms. Organizations should update to ARSC version 1.0.2 or later, which includes fixes for this specific issue. Additionally, system administrators should implement comprehensive input validation for all user-supplied parameters, ensuring that language selection inputs are properly sanitized and restricted to predefined valid values. Error handling should be modified to provide generic error messages that do not reveal system internals, while maintaining appropriate logging for legitimate system diagnostics. Security best practices dictate that all error messages should be carefully crafted to avoid exposing sensitive information about the underlying system architecture, database structure, or file paths, thus preventing attackers from gaining intelligence about the target environment that could be used in subsequent phases of an attack.