CVE-2002-1316 in Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
importInfo in the Admin Server for iPlanet WebServer 4.x, up to SP11, allows the web administrator to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the dir parameter, and possibly allows remote attackers to exploit this vulnerability via a separate XSS issue (CVE-2002-1315).
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1316 represents a critical command execution flaw within the iPlanet WebServer 4.x administration interface, specifically affecting versions up to Service Pack 11. This issue resides in the importInfo functionality of the Admin Server component, which serves as the management interface for configuring and controlling the web server operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before processing it within the server environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the dir parameter within the importInfo function, where web administrators can inject shell metacharacters to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that allows attackers to leverage the administrative privileges of the web server to perform unauthorized operations. The flaw enables attackers to execute system commands directly through the web interface, potentially gaining full control over the server's operating system and its resources. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the administrative context, meaning successful exploitation would grant attackers elevated privileges and access to sensitive server functions.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1316 extends beyond simple command execution, as it creates a pathway for remote attackers to compromise the entire web server infrastructure. When combined with the related XSS vulnerability CVE-2002-1315, the attack surface expands significantly, allowing attackers to chain these vulnerabilities for more sophisticated exploitation. The cross-site scripting component could be used to establish a foothold in the victim environment, potentially leading to session hijacking or further privilege escalation attacks. This dual vulnerability scenario aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques such as T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access through social engineering. The vulnerability also relates to CWE-77 in the CWE dictionary, which specifically addresses command injection flaws, and CWE-80 in relation to cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1316 should focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. Organizations must apply the official service pack updates provided by iPlanet to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing strict input validation and sanitization measures within the Admin Server configuration can help prevent malicious data from being processed. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be enforced to limit access to the administrative interface to trusted IP addresses only. The principle of least privilege should be applied by restricting administrative access to only necessary personnel and implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web server components. System monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in administrative web interfaces, as it demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches and following security best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.