CVE-2002-1451 in Blazix
Summary
by MITRE
Blazix before 1.2.2 allows remote attackers to read source code of JSP scripts or list restricted web directories via an HTTP request that ends in a (1) "+" or (2) "\" (backslash) character.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1451 affects Blazix web server versions prior to 1.2.2, presenting a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to bypass access controls and gain unauthorized access to sensitive web content. This vulnerability specifically targets the server's handling of HTTP requests that conclude with either a plus sign "+" or a backslash "\" character, creating a path traversal condition that allows attackers to access restricted directories and view source code of JSP scripts. The flaw represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that exploits improper input validation in the web server's request processing logic, allowing malicious users to manipulate URI parsing and access files outside the intended document root.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the Blazix server's inadequate sanitization of incoming HTTP requests, particularly when processing directory traversal sequences. When an attacker crafts a request ending with "+" or "\" characters, the server fails to properly normalize or validate the request path, enabling the exploitation of directory traversal patterns. This behavior aligns with CWE-22, which describes path traversal vulnerabilities where input validation fails to prevent access to restricted directories. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically affecting the web server's HTTP request handling and file system access controls, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on Blazix for serving dynamic content through JSP scripts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as attackers can potentially access sensitive source code files containing database connection strings, authentication credentials, application logic, and other confidential information. This exposure creates significant risk for organizations deploying Blazix servers, particularly those hosting web applications with sensitive data processing capabilities. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it particularly attractive to attackers who seek to gather intelligence about target systems. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments) as attackers can use the discovered information to craft more sophisticated attacks. The ability to enumerate directory structures also supports broader reconnaissance activities that can lead to privilege escalation or further exploitation of the web application infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1451 focus primarily on upgrading to Blazix version 1.2.2 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved input validation and request path sanitization. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to block requests containing special characters like "+" and "\" in URI paths, though this approach may impact legitimate functionality. Additional protective measures include implementing proper access controls, disabling unnecessary web server features, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in the web application stack. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in web server implementations where user-supplied data directly influences file system operations and access controls. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious request patterns and automatically block potentially malicious traffic targeting this specific vulnerability.