CVE-2002-1438 in NetWare
Summary
by MITRE
The web handler for Perl 5.003 on Novell NetWare 5.1 and NetWare 6 allows remote attackers to obtain Perl version information via the -v option.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1438 represents a significant information disclosure flaw in the Perl interpreter implementation on Novell NetWare operating systems. This issue specifically affects Perl 5.003 versions running on NetWare 5.1 and NetWare 6 platforms where the web handler component fails to properly sanitize input parameters, creating an avenue for remote attackers to extract sensitive system information. The flaw manifests through the improper handling of the -v command line option, which is traditionally used to display version information but becomes exploitable when accessed through the web interface.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the web handler component of the Perl interpreter. When a remote attacker submits a request containing the -v option through the web interface, the system processes this parameter without proper sanitization, allowing the version information to be returned in the HTTP response. This represents a classic case of improper input validation where the web handler fails to distinguish between legitimate web interface requests and malicious attempts to probe system information. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-20 as it involves improper input validation, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1082 for system information discovery.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses a serious risk to system security as it provides attackers with critical information about the Perl version installed on the server. This information can be leveraged to identify potential exploits targeting specific version vulnerabilities, making it easier for attackers to plan more sophisticated attacks. The disclosure of Perl version information can also reveal the underlying operating system version and potentially expose other system characteristics that attackers might use to refine their attack vectors. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or authentication credentials.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a foundation for more advanced exploitation techniques. Security professionals should consider this as an initial reconnaissance step that attackers might use to gather intelligence before launching more targeted attacks. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad, as it allows unauthorized disclosure of system information that should remain hidden from external parties. Organizations running affected Perl versions on NetWare systems should prioritize patching or implementing mitigations to prevent unauthorized information disclosure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1438 should focus on disabling or restricting access to the web handler component that exposes this functionality, implementing proper input validation to prevent the -v option from being processed through web interfaces, and applying the appropriate security patches released by Novell for affected NetWare versions. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit access to the affected web handler, while regular security assessments should monitor for similar vulnerabilities in other system components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in web applications to prevent information disclosure attacks that can compromise overall system security.