CVE-2002-1233 in HTTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
A regression error in the Debian distributions of the apache-ssl package (before 1.3.9 on Debian 2.2, and before 1.3.26 on Debian 3.0), for Apache 1.3.27 and earlier, allows local users to read or modify the Apache password file via a symlink attack on temporary files when the administrator runs (1) htpasswd or (2) htdigest, a re-introduction of a vulnerability that was originally identified and addressed by CVE-2001-0131.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1233 represents a critical security flaw in the Debian distribution of the apache-ssl package that emerged from a regression error in the software update process. This issue affects Apache versions 1.3.27 and earlier, specifically impacting Debian 2.2 systems before version 1.3.9 and Debian 3.0 systems before version 1.3.26. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of temporary files during the execution of administrative tools, creating a dangerous attack surface that allows local users to exploit symlink-based attacks against the Apache password management system. The flaw is particularly concerning because it re-introduces a previously identified vulnerability (CVE-2001-0131) that had been addressed in earlier versions, demonstrating the importance of maintaining proper security patches and avoiding regression errors in software updates.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on a classic symlink attack pattern that exploits the predictable naming and location of temporary files created during the execution of htpasswd and htdigest commands. When administrators run these tools to manage user authentication credentials, the programs create temporary files in predictable locations that can be manipulated through symbolic link attacks. Local attackers can create malicious symbolic links that point to the Apache password files, allowing them to either read sensitive authentication data or modify the password database directly. This type of attack falls under the CWE-377 vulnerability category, specifically CWE-377: Insecure Temporary File, which is classified as a weakness that allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data through improper handling of temporary file creation and management. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the privilege level of the executing user, meaning that any local user can potentially exploit it without requiring elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete compromise of the Apache web server authentication system. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to protected web resources, modify user credentials, or potentially escalate privileges within the web server environment. The re-introduction of this vulnerability through the Debian package update process demonstrates a significant failure in the software quality assurance and security review processes, as it suggests that the security patch for CVE-2001-0131 was either not properly implemented or was inadvertently removed during the package update cycle. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1078.004: Valid Accounts - SSH Keys, as it allows attackers to manipulate authentication credentials that control access to web resources, potentially enabling further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1003.006: OS Credential Dumping - Network Sniffing, as compromised password files could be used to extract credentials for other network services.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate attention from system administrators who must ensure that their Debian systems are updated to versions that properly address the symlink attack vulnerability in temporary file handling. The recommended approach involves upgrading to Apache versions 1.3.26 or later for Debian 3.0 systems and 1.3.9 or later for Debian 2.2 systems, which contain the necessary security patches to prevent the symlink attack patterns. Additionally, administrators should implement immediate operational controls such as verifying the integrity of temporary file creation processes, monitoring for suspicious symbolic link creation patterns, and ensuring that the htpasswd and htdigest commands are executed with appropriate privilege levels. Security best practices dictate that system administrators should also consider implementing additional layers of protection including regular security audits of temporary file handling mechanisms, monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to authentication files, and maintaining proper file permissions and ownership controls. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining proper security patch management processes and the potential consequences of regression errors in security updates. Organizations should establish robust verification procedures for security patches, including testing in isolated environments before deployment, to prevent similar issues from reoccurring in their infrastructure.