CVE-2002-1042 in One Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in search engine for iPlanet web server 6.0 SP2 and 4.1 SP9, and Netscape Enterprise Server 3.6, when running on Windows platforms, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via ..\ (dot-dot backslash) sequences in the NS-query-pat parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1042 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting legacy web server implementations including iPlanet web server version 6.0 SP2 and 4.1 SP9, alongside Netscape Enterprise Server 3.6 on Windows operating systems. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation within the search functionality of these web servers, specifically in how they process the NS-query-pat parameter. The vulnerability enables malicious actors to exploit the server's file system access mechanisms by crafting specially formatted requests containing ..\ sequences, which are designed to navigate upward through directory structures and access files that should remain restricted.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the NS-query-pat parameter, which is used by the search engine component to define file path patterns for indexing and searching content. When the web server processes these parameters without proper sanitization, it fails to validate or filter out directory traversal sequences such as ..\ that would normally be rejected by standard file system access controls. This flaw allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve arbitrary files from the server's file system, potentially including sensitive configuration files, source code, or other confidential data that should be protected from unauthorized access.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on these legacy web server platforms, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive system information without authentication. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as attackers may gain access to system configuration files that could reveal database connection strings, administrator credentials, or other critical system details. The vulnerability affects Windows platforms specifically, indicating that the implementation of directory traversal protection mechanisms may differ between operating systems, potentially leaving Windows-based deployments more susceptible to exploitation. This type of vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the CWE-22 category, which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The attack pattern associated with CVE-2002-1042 aligns with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 - File and Directory Discovery tactic, where adversaries systematically explore file systems to identify sensitive information. This vulnerability also maps to the T1566 - Phishing with Malicious Attachments technique when attackers leverage the discovered information to craft more sophisticated social engineering campaigns. Organizations utilizing these vulnerable web server versions face potential data breaches, compliance violations, and system compromise that could lead to broader network infiltration. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous as a reconnaissance tool for attackers seeking to map system configurations and identify additional attack vectors within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as vendors have released updates to address the directory traversal flaw in their respective web server implementations. Organizations should implement input validation controls at the application level to sanitize all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file system operations. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of vulnerable web servers to untrusted networks. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy systems. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing to ensure that patches do not introduce compatibility issues with existing web applications, as these legacy systems often form critical components of enterprise infrastructure.