CVE-2002-0892 in ServletExec ISAPI
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of NewAtlanta ServletExec ISAPI 4.1 allows remote attackers to determine the path of the web root via a direct request to com.newatlanta.servletexec.JSP10Servlet without a filename, which leaks the pathname in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0892 resides within the NewAtlanta ServletExec ISAPI 4.1 web application server component that operates as an Internet Information Services extension for Microsoft Windows platforms. This issue manifests in the default configuration settings where the application fails to properly sanitize input parameters when processing requests through the com.newatlanta.servletexec.JSP10Servlet servlet component. The flaw specifically occurs when attackers submit direct requests without specifying a filename parameter, creating an exploitable condition that reveals sensitive system path information through error messaging mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the servlet execution framework. When the JSP10Servlet receives a request lacking a filename parameter, it processes the incomplete request and generates an error message that inadvertently includes the absolute path of the web root directory. This occurs because the servlet does not properly validate or sanitize the incoming request parameters before attempting to execute the servlet logic, resulting in an information disclosure vulnerability that exposes directory structure information to remote attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical system path information that can be leveraged for subsequent exploitation attempts. The leaked path information can be used to understand the underlying directory structure, potentially enabling attackers to craft more sophisticated attacks such as path traversal exploits or to identify other system components that might be vulnerable to attack. This information disclosure aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper error handling and input validation.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability represents a classic example of poor defensive programming practices where error messages contain system-specific information that should remain hidden from external users. The attack vector is straightforward and requires minimal technical skill, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by automated scanning tools or less sophisticated attackers. The vulnerability exists in the application layer and can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1212, which involves exploitation of information disclosure vulnerabilities to gather intelligence for further attacks. Organizations running this software are at risk of having their directory structures exposed, potentially leading to more serious security incidents.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate configuration changes to disable the problematic servlet behavior, implementation of proper input validation for all servlet parameters, and modification of error handling routines to prevent path information from being exposed in error messages. Security administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious request patterns, as well as regular security audits to identify similar information disclosure vulnerabilities. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to a supported version of the software that addresses this specific flaw and implements proper security controls for input validation and error handling.