CVE-2002-1078 in Abyss Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Abyss Web Server 1.0.3 allows remote attackers to list directory contents via an HTTP GET request that ends in a large number of / (slash) characters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1078 affects Abyss Web Server version 1.0.3 and represents a directory traversal weakness that enables remote attackers to enumerate directory contents on the affected system. This flaw manifests when an HTTP GET request is crafted with an excessive number of trailing forward slash characters, which the web server fails to properly handle during request processing. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path resolution mechanisms within the server's handling of URL requests, allowing malicious actors to exploit this behavior to gain unauthorized access to directory listings that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation as classified by CWE-20, where the web server does not properly sanitize or validate the URL path components received in HTTP requests. When the server processes a request ending with numerous slash characters, it fails to normalize the path properly, potentially leading to directory traversal behavior that reveals file system structure information. This issue operates at the application layer and demonstrates a classic weakness in web server security architecture where path resolution logic does not adequately account for malformed or excessive path components. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal effort to exploit and can be automated through simple HTTP request crafting techniques.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes sensitive directory and file information that could provide attackers with valuable reconnaissance data for subsequent exploitation attempts. The directory listing capability can reveal the presence of backup files, configuration files, source code repositories, or other system artifacts that might contain sensitive information or provide pathways for privilege escalation. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the system's security posture, as it allows unauthorized information disclosure without requiring authentication or elevated privileges. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be executed remotely over the network without any prior access to the system, making it an attractive target for automated scanning and exploitation tools.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and path normalization within the web server configuration. System administrators should ensure that the Abyss Web Server is updated to a patched version that properly handles excessive path components and normalizes URL paths before processing. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests containing excessive slash characters. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and directory permissions can limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include regular security audits of web server configurations to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other components of the system infrastructure. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation practices and proper path handling mechanisms that align with security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for web application security.