CVE-2002-1728 in Web Publisher
Summary
by MITRE
askSam Web Publisher 1.0 and 4.0 allows remote attackers to determine the full path to the web root directory via a request for a file that does not exist, which generates an error message that reveals the full path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1728 affects askSam Web Publisher versions 1.0 and 4.0, representing a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes critical system configuration details to remote attackers. This vulnerability resides within the error handling mechanism of the web application, where improper response generation during file access attempts creates a security risk that can be exploited without authentication. The flaw specifically manifests when users request non-existent files through the web interface, triggering error messages that inadvertently reveal the complete file system path to the web root directory.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling practices within the askSam Web Publisher software. When a user attempts to access a file that does not exist, the application fails to sanitize its error responses properly, resulting in the exposure of the full server path structure. This occurs because the web application's error reporting mechanism includes absolute path information in its response, which is typically intended for debugging purposes but becomes a security liability when accessible to external parties. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, which specifically addresses improper error handling that leads to information disclosure, making it a direct descendant of the broader class of information exposure flaws.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple path disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for subsequent exploitation attempts. The exposed directory paths can be used to map the server's file structure, potentially revealing sensitive file locations, configuration files, or other system components that might be vulnerable to further attacks. This information disclosure creates a foundation for more sophisticated attacks including directory traversal exploits, local file inclusion vulnerabilities, or even privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability affects both version 1.0 and 4.0 of the software, indicating it was a persistent flaw across different releases, suggesting poor code quality or insufficient security review processes during development.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under the reconnaissance phase, specifically within the information gathering category where adversaries collect system information. The flaw enables attackers to gather essential infrastructure details without requiring any authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with network access to the affected server. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a fundamental security misconfiguration that violates basic security principles of least privilege and secure error handling. The exposure of absolute paths can facilitate various attack vectors including but not limited to web application attacks, system enumeration, and potential exploitation of other vulnerabilities that might exist within the same system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1728 should focus on implementing proper error handling mechanisms that do not expose system paths or internal configuration details to end users. Organizations should ensure that all web applications implement generic error messages that do not reveal system-specific information such as file paths, server names, or database configurations. The recommended approach involves configuring the web server to suppress detailed error information in production environments and implementing centralized error handling that logs detailed information internally while presenting sanitized responses to users. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls, input validation controls, and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The fix should also include proper logging of error conditions for security monitoring purposes while ensuring that no sensitive information is exposed through error responses, which aligns with security best practices outlined in various industry standards including the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.