CVE-2002-0537 in SWS
Summary
by MITRE
The admin.html file in StepWeb Search Engine (SWS) 2.5 stores passwords in links to manager.pl, which allows remote attackers who can access the admin.html file to gain administrative privileges to SWS.
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 described in CVE-2002-0537 represents a critical security flaw in the StepWeb Search Engine version 2.5 where sensitive authentication credentials are exposed through improper handling of administrative access mechanisms. This issue stems from the insecure storage and transmission of passwords within the admin.html file, creating a direct pathway for unauthorized users to escalate their privileges and gain full administrative control over the search engine system.
The technical flaw manifests in the way the StepWeb Search Engine handles administrative authentication by embedding password parameters directly within URLs that reference the manager.pl script. This approach violates fundamental security principles for credential management and creates a clear attack vector where any user with access to the admin.html file can extract the password information from the links and subsequently authenticate as an administrator. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-259 as a weakness in password management, specifically involving the improper handling of authentication credentials in a manner that exposes them to unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of the entire StepWeb Search Engine deployment. Remote attackers who can access the admin.html file gain immediate administrative access to the system, allowing them to modify search results, alter system configurations, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it eliminates the need for additional reconnaissance or exploitation techniques, as the authentication credentials are already exposed in a readily accessible administrative interface.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is straightforward and requires minimal technical expertise, making it highly attractive to malicious actors. An attacker needs only to gain access to the admin.html file through any means, such as directory traversal attacks, misconfigured access controls, or social engineering techniques, to immediately extract the password information. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers valid accounts and T1566.001 which involves credential harvesting through social engineering or direct access to credential storage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0537 require immediate remediation through the implementation of proper authentication mechanisms that do not store passwords in URLs or exposed administrative files. Organizations should implement server-side authentication that uses session management rather than URL-based credential passing, enforce strict access controls on administrative files, and implement proper input validation and access controls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive administrative interfaces. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to a more secure version of StepWeb Search Engine that properly implements authentication mechanisms and does not expose credentials through URL parameters or static administrative files. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts to administrative interfaces, while regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar credential exposure vulnerabilities in other systems.