CVE-2002-1528 in Mondosearch
Summary
by MITRE
MsmMask.exe in MondoSearch 4.4 allows remote attackers to obtain the source code of scripts via the mask parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1528 represents a critical information disclosure flaw in MondoSearch 4.4's MsmMask.exe component. This issue arises from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's script processing functionality. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes the mask parameter, which is designed to control script execution patterns but fails to properly validate user-supplied input. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that manipulate the mask parameter to traverse file system paths and access sensitive script files that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The flaw essentially allows remote adversaries to bypass normal access controls and retrieve source code files that contain potentially sensitive business logic, configuration data, or proprietary implementation details.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates as a path traversal or directory traversal attack vector that leverages the mask parameter to manipulate file system access patterns. The underlying flaw can be classified as CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and sanitization where user-controllable parameters are directly incorporated into file system operations without proper security checks. When the mask parameter contains malicious path traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, the application fails to sanitize these inputs before using them to resolve script file locations, thereby enabling attackers to access files outside the intended script directory. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication or specialized privileges, making it a significant concern for web-based applications that process user input through script execution engines.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1528 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise through the exposure of source code that may contain database connection strings, API keys, encryption parameters, or other sensitive configuration details. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into the application's architecture, identify additional attack vectors, and potentially escalate their privileges within the system. The exposure of source code provides adversaries with detailed knowledge of application logic, which can be used to develop more sophisticated attacks targeting other components of the system. This vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, particularly the identification of sensitive data exposure as a critical security risk. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that script source code often contains embedded database credentials or system configuration parameters that could enable further compromise of backend systems. Organizations using MondoSearch 4.4 are particularly vulnerable because the flaw affects the core script processing functionality, making it a high-priority security concern that requires immediate remediation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1528 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures to prevent path traversal attacks. Organizations should immediately apply patches or updates provided by the vendor to address this vulnerability, as the flaw represents a known security issue that has existed for many years. The recommended approach involves implementing strict validation of all user-supplied input parameters, particularly those used in file system operations. Input filtering should be implemented to reject or sanitize any characters or sequences that could enable path traversal, including but not limited to ../, ..\, and other directory traversal patterns. The application should enforce a whitelist approach for valid mask parameter values and implement proper access controls to ensure that script files remain isolated from unauthorized access. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls or security monitoring systems that can detect and prevent suspicious path traversal attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers may use the exposed information to craft more targeted attacks. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's attack surface, as path traversal vulnerabilities are commonly found in legacy systems and can provide attackers with significant leverage for further exploitation.