CVE-2002-0508 in wwwisis
Summary
by MITRE
wwwisis 3.45 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands and read files via the parameters (1) prolog or (2) epilog.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0508 affects the wwwisis web server software version 3.45 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the web server's handling of specific parameters, particularly the prolog and epilog parameters that are commonly used in web server configurations. The issue allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability is classified as a command injection flaw that directly impacts the server's ability to process user-supplied input securely.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the wwwisis web server fails to properly sanitize or validate input parameters received through HTTP requests. When attackers submit malicious payloads through the prolog or epilog parameters, the web server processes these inputs without adequate validation, allowing arbitrary commands to be executed within the context of the web server process. This behavior creates a direct pathway for remote code execution, as the server essentially acts as an interpreter for attacker-provided commands. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer, where attackers can leverage the web server's privileges to access system resources and potentially escalate their privileges further. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 attack pattern category, which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0508 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to read arbitrary files from the affected system. This dual functionality creates a comprehensive attack vector that enables both system compromise and data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage the vulnerability to access sensitive files, configuration data, user credentials, and other confidential information stored on the web server. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target network. This vulnerability significantly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access and conduct further reconnaissance activities. The attack surface is particularly large since the vulnerability affects a widely used web server implementation, making many organizations potentially vulnerable to this specific threat.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0508 focus primarily on updating to patched versions of the wwwisis software, as the vulnerability is resolved through proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-supplied patches or upgrade to versions that address this specific command injection flaw. Additionally, network-level protections should be implemented through firewall rules that restrict access to the vulnerable web server ports and services. Input validation should be strengthened at the application level to ensure that all parameters are properly sanitized before processing. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious parameter values. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected systems running older versions of the wwwisis software. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing proper security controls as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's command and control tactics. Organizations should establish regular patch management processes to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future, as the lack of timely updates creates persistent security risks that can be easily exploited by threat actors.