CVE-2002-1089 in Reports
Summary
by MITRE
rwcgi60 CGI program in Oracle Reports Server, by design, provides sensitive information such as the full pathname, which could enable remote attackers to use the information in additional attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1089 affects the Oracle Reports Server rwcgi60 CGI program, which is part of Oracle's reporting and data visualization software suite. This particular CGI component is designed to handle web-based reporting requests and serves as an interface between web clients and the Oracle Reports Server backend. The flaw lies in the program's implementation where it inadvertently reveals sensitive system information through its response handling. When the CGI program processes requests, it includes the full system pathname in its output, creating an information disclosure vulnerability that can be exploited by remote attackers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper error handling and information exposure design within the CGI program. The rwcgi60 component does not adequately sanitize its responses to prevent the leakage of system path information that could be used to construct more sophisticated attacks. This type of information disclosure vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation and output sanitization can create security weaknesses. The vulnerability specifically enables attackers to gain knowledge about the underlying system architecture, including file paths and directory structures, which can serve as valuable intelligence for subsequent exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical system information that can be leveraged in various attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains knowledge of the full pathname structure of the Oracle Reports Server installation, which can be used to craft targeted attacks against the system. This information can facilitate directory traversal attacks, help attackers understand the system's file organization, and potentially enable them to identify other vulnerable components or services running on the same system. The vulnerability creates a reconnaissance opportunity that significantly reduces the attack surface for more serious exploits.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability effectively. The primary recommendation involves modifying the CGI program configuration to prevent the exposure of system path information in responses. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to the Oracle Reports Server components and apply access controls to restrict who can interact with the rwcgi60 CGI program. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar information disclosure vulnerabilities in other applications and services. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the information gathering phase, specifically within the technique of "System Information Discovery" where attackers collect data about the target environment. Organizations should also ensure that their patch management processes include timely updates for Oracle software components to address known vulnerabilities like CVE-2002-1089.