CVE-2002-1025 in JRun
Summary
by MITRE
JRun 3.0 through 4.0 allows remote attackers to read JSP source code via an encoded null byte in an HTTP GET request, which causes the server to send the .JSP file unparsed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1025 affects Macromedia JRun application server versions 3.0 through 4.0, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access sensitive JSP source code files. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of HTTP GET requests containing encoded null bytes, which creates a path traversal condition that bypasses normal file access controls. The flaw specifically manifests when the application server processes requests with null byte sequences that should be rejected or properly sanitized, allowing malicious actors to retrieve JSP source files without proper authentication or authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of HTTP request parameters to include encoded null byte sequences that exploit a weakness in the JRun server's file resolution mechanism. When processing these malformed requests, the server fails to properly validate the input and instead treats the encoded null byte as a legitimate file path delimiter, causing the system to return the raw JSP source code rather than executing the script. This represents a classic case of improper input validation and inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data, which falls under CWE-20 - Improper Input Validation. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to perform unauthorized file access and information disclosure by crafting specific HTTP GET requests that leverage the server's failure to properly parse and validate encoded null bytes in the request parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as JSP source code typically contains sensitive application logic, database connection strings, and potentially hard-coded credentials that could be exploited by attackers to gain deeper system access. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to obtain complete source code of web applications, potentially exposing business logic, database schemas, and security implementations that would otherwise remain hidden. This information could then be used to plan more sophisticated attacks, including exploitation of additional vulnerabilities within the application or server environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges or authentication to exploit, making it a significant threat to web applications running affected JRun versions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected JRun installations to the latest available versions that contain proper input validation and null byte handling. Organizations should also implement network-level controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block requests containing encoded null bytes or other suspicious input patterns. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough code reviews and input validation improvements for all applications running on affected servers, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before processing. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and the need for robust security testing of application servers, particularly in environments where sensitive source code might be exposed to unauthorized parties. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their web application infrastructure. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly simple input handling issues can create significant security risks, reinforcing the need for comprehensive security practices throughout the software development lifecycle and adherence to security standards such as those defined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.