CVE-2002-0918 in csPassword
Summary
by MITRE
CGIScript.net csPassword.cgi leaks sensitive information such as the pathname of the server in debug messages that are presented when the script fails, which allows remote attackers to obtain the information via a "remove" option in the command parameter, which generates an error.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0918 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the CGIScript.net csPassword.cgi web application script. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper error handling and sensitive data exposure, which are commonly categorized as CWE-209 - Information Exposure Through an Error Message and CWE-200 - Information Exposure. The flaw exists in the script's response mechanism when processing user input, specifically when the command parameter contains a "remove" option that triggers an error condition. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the application's security architecture where debug information is exposed to unauthorized users through error messages.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the script's failure to properly sanitize or filter user-supplied input before processing commands. When an attacker submits a command parameter with the value "remove" to the csPassword.cgi script, the application generates an error response that inadvertently includes server path information in the debug output. This occurs because the script does not implement proper input validation or error handling mechanisms that would prevent sensitive system information from being exposed to remote users. The error message contains the pathname of the server, which serves as valuable reconnaissance information for potential attackers. This type of information leakage is particularly dangerous as it can reveal directory structures, file paths, and potentially other system configurations that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical system reconnaissance data that can be used for further exploitation attempts. The leaked server pathname information can enable attackers to understand the underlying system architecture and potentially identify other vulnerable components within the same server environment. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, where adversaries collect information about the file system structure. Additionally, the exposure of server path information can facilitate path traversal attacks, directory traversal exploits, or other filesystem-based vulnerabilities that could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive files or system resources. The vulnerability essentially provides an attacker with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks by revealing the server's internal structure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling mechanisms within the web application. The primary fix involves modifying the csPassword.cgi script to sanitize all user input parameters before processing them, ensuring that no sensitive system information is included in error messages. Organizations should implement generic error responses that do not reveal server path information or internal system details. This approach aligns with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and follows the principle of least privilege in error handling. Additionally, the application should be configured to log detailed error information internally while presenting only generic error messages to end users. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications, as this type of error handling flaw is common in legacy web scripts and can be exploited to gather reconnaissance information for more complex attack vectors. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper error handling in web applications and the critical need to avoid exposing system internals through error messages.