CVE-2002-1454 in MyWebServer
Summary
by MITRE
MyWebServer 1.0.2 allows remote attackers to determine the absolute path of the web document root via a request for a directory that does not exist, which leaks the pathname in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2025
This vulnerability exists in MyWebServer version 1.0.2 where improper error handling leads to information disclosure through directory traversal attacks. The flaw occurs when a remote attacker sends a request for a non-existent directory path, causing the server to return an error message that contains the absolute file system path of the web document root. This type of information disclosure represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with critical system information that can be used for further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability is classified as a path disclosure issue that violates security best practices by exposing internal system paths to unauthorized users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the server's inadequate error message generation mechanism. When MyWebServer encounters a request for a non-existent directory, it fails to sanitize the error response before sending it to the client. The error message includes the absolute path to the web root directory, which is typically constructed using the server's file system structure. This behavior aligns with CWE-209, which addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message," and represents a direct violation of proper error handling protocols. The vulnerability demonstrates a lack of input validation and output sanitization that allows attackers to extract sensitive system information.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly impacts the security posture of systems running MyWebServer 1.0.2. Attackers can leverage this information to perform more sophisticated attacks such as local file inclusion exploits, directory traversal attacks, or to map the server's file system structure. The leaked absolute path information can be combined with other reconnaissance techniques to identify potential attack vectors and target specific system components. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication or privileged access to exploit, making it an attractive target for automated scanning tools and malicious actors seeking to gather system intelligence.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper error handling mechanisms that do not expose system paths in error messages. Server administrators should configure MyWebServer to return generic error responses that do not contain any system path information. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and information hiding in security design. Additionally, upgrading to a newer version of MyWebServer that properly handles error messages would resolve the issue. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while monitoring for unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in the context of information disclosure and reconnaissance activities.