CVE-2002-0893 in ServletExec ISAPI
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in NewAtlanta ServletExec ISAPI 4.1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a URL-encoded request to com.newatlanta.servletexec.JSP10Servlet containing "..%5c" (modified dot-dot) sequences.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0893 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the NewAtlanta ServletExec ISAPI 4.1 web application server component. This security weakness resides in the JSP10Servlet module which processes incoming HTTP requests and fails to properly sanitize URL-encoded input parameters. The vulnerability specifically manifests when attackers submit malicious requests containing "..%5c" sequences where the %5c represents the URL-encoded backslash character. This particular encoding technique allows threat actors to bypass normal path validation mechanisms and navigate to arbitrary directories on the target system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper handling of path resolution within the servlet implementation, creating a pathway for unauthorized file access that extends beyond the intended application boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of URL parameters that are processed by the com.newatlanta.servletexec.JSP10Servlet component. When a request containing "..%5c" sequences reaches the vulnerable servlet, the application fails to properly interpret the directory traversal attempts and instead processes these sequences as legitimate path navigation instructions. This misinterpretation enables attackers to traverse up directory levels and access files that should remain restricted to authorized users only. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication or local access to the target system. The specific implementation flaw allows for the bypass of standard security controls that would normally prevent such path traversal operations, making the exploitation relatively straightforward and effective against unpatched systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0893 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access to potentially compromise entire system infrastructures. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive configuration files, application source code, database credentials, and other critical system information that could facilitate further exploitation. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and represents a classic example of how inadequate input validation can lead to severe security consequences. The vulnerability also maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) tactics, as it enables attackers to discover and extract sensitive files that could be used for additional attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0893 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as the vulnerability has been addressed through vendor updates and security patches released in response to this flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation mechanisms that sanitize all URL parameters and reject suspicious path traversal sequences before they are processed by the application. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block malicious requests containing directory traversal patterns. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable ServletExec ISAPI component and ensure proper access controls are implemented. Regular security monitoring and log analysis can help detect exploitation attempts, while principle of least privilege access controls should be enforced to minimize the potential damage from successful attacks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and the critical need for regular security updates to protect against known exploitation techniques.