CVE-2002-1822 in HTTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM HTTP Server 1.0 on AS/400 allows remote attackers to obtain the path to the web root directory and other sensitive information, which is leaked in an error mesage when a request is made for a non-existent Java Server Page (JSP).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1822 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within IBM HTTP Server version 1.0 running on AS/400 systems. This security weakness stems from the server's improper handling of requests for non-existent Java Server Pages, where the application fails to sanitize error messages before returning them to remote attackers. The vulnerability specifically affects the IBM HTTP Server implementation on IBM AS/400 platforms, which are enterprise-grade systems commonly used in business environments for mission-critical applications. The flaw manifests when a malicious actor submits a request for a non-existent JSP file, causing the server to generate an error message that inadvertently reveals the web root directory path and other sensitive system information.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes improper output sanitization leading to information disclosure. The flaw operates at the application layer of the OSI model, specifically within the HTTP server's error handling mechanism. When processing requests for non-existent resources, the IBM HTTP Server 1.0 fails to properly filter or sanitize the error response, resulting in the exposure of directory paths, file system structures, and potentially other system-specific information that could aid in subsequent attack vectors. This type of information leakage provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that can be used to map the server's file structure and identify potential targets for further exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a foundation for more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. The leaked web root directory path exposes the server's file system organization to potential attackers, enabling them to craft more targeted attacks against specific files or directories. This information disclosure can facilitate directory traversal attacks, file inclusion vulnerabilities, or other exploitation techniques that rely on knowledge of the server's file structure. Additionally, the exposure of sensitive system information may reveal version-specific details about the IBM HTTP Server implementation, potentially exposing known vulnerabilities in that specific version. The attack surface expands significantly when considering that this vulnerability affects enterprise systems, where the disclosed information could be used to plan coordinated attacks against business-critical applications.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations focusing on input validation and error handling improvements. The primary recommendation involves configuring the IBM HTTP Server to suppress detailed error messages and instead return generic responses to all requests for non-existent resources. This approach aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and follows the principle of least information disclosure. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls or intrusion prevention systems that can filter and sanitize error responses before they reach end users. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper error handling in enterprise web applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing that includes validation of error message content. Regular security audits should be conducted to ensure that all server components properly handle error conditions without exposing sensitive system information. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling mechanisms in preventing information disclosure attacks that can compromise entire system infrastructures.