CVE-2002-1178 in Http Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the CGIServlet for Jetty HTTP server before 4.1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via ..\ (dot-dot backslash) sequences in an HTTP request to the cgi-bin directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2025
The CVE-2002-1178 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the CGIServlet component of the Jetty HTTP server implementation. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 4.1.0 and exploits a fundamental weakness in how the server processes HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences. The flaw manifests when attackers craft malicious requests that include the ..\ (dot-dot backslash) pattern within the cgi-bin directory, enabling them to bypass normal file access controls and potentially gain unauthorized access to the underlying file system.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path resolution within the CGIServlet's request processing logic. When the servlet encounters a request containing the ..\ sequence, it fails to properly sanitize or normalize the path components, allowing the traversal to occur. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability creates a scenario where the server's file system access controls can be circumvented, potentially exposing sensitive files, directories, and system resources to unauthorized access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations deploying Jetty servers with CGI support. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple file access, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to read system configuration files, access user data, install malicious software, or even escalate privileges to gain administrative control. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web server environments where CGI scripts are commonly used for dynamic content generation, as it effectively removes the security boundaries that should protect the underlying operating system.
The attack vector for CVE-2002-1178 is straightforward and can be executed through standard HTTP request manipulation. Attackers simply need to construct HTTP requests that contain the ..\ sequences in the path component of their requests targeting the cgi-bin directory. This approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and script injection through CGI scripts. The vulnerability's exploitation typically involves sending HTTP requests with malformed paths that cause the server to resolve paths beyond the intended cgi-bin directory, potentially reaching system directories like /etc, /bin, or other sensitive locations. Organizations using older Jetty versions without proper security patches remain highly susceptible to these attacks, as the vulnerability has been known since 2002 and affects systems that have not been properly updated.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1178 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to Jetty 4.1.0 or later, where the directory traversal vulnerability has been addressed through improved input validation and path normalization. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all web server components are up to date with the latest security fixes. Additional protective measures include configuring proper file system permissions for cgi-bin directories, implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal patterns, and conducting regular security audits of web server configurations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in web server components that handle user-supplied data. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability could potentially be used as a stepping stone for broader network attacks.