CVE-2002-1855 in JRun
Summary
by MITRE
Macromedia JRun 3.0 through 4.0, when running on Windows, allows remote attackers to retrieve files in the WEB-INF directory, which contains Java class files and configuration information, via a request to the WEB-INF directory with a trailing dot ("WEB-INF.").
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2019
This vulnerability exists in Macromedia JRun versions 3.0 through 4.0 when deployed on Windows operating systems, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that exposes sensitive application components. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of file requests containing trailing dots in directory names, specifically affecting the WEB-INF directory structure which traditionally houses critical application configuration files, class files, and security-related components. The flaw allows remote attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve files that should remain protected within the application's web root structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a specific parsing behavior in JRun's file resolution mechanism on Windows platforms. When a request is made to a directory path ending with a dot such as "WEB-INF.", the application fails to properly sanitize the request and instead processes it as a legitimate directory traversal attempt. This occurs because Windows file systems handle trailing dots differently than Unix-based systems, and JRun's path validation logic does not adequately account for this Windows-specific behavior. The vulnerability specifically targets the WEB-INF directory which contains sensitive information including web.xml configuration files, application classes, and potentially database connection details that could be leveraged for further exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with direct access to application internals that should remain protected. The WEB-INF directory typically contains configuration files such as web.xml that define application security constraints, servlet mappings, and other critical deployment information. Additionally, the directory houses Java class files that may contain business logic, database connection parameters, or other sensitive implementation details. This exposure could enable attackers to understand the application architecture, identify potential additional vulnerabilities, or extract authentication credentials and connection strings that could facilitate further compromise of the system.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1083 File and Directory Discovery and T1213 Data from Information Repositories. The flaw represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the need for defensive programming practices when handling file system operations. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of JRun, implementing proper directory access controls, and configuring web servers to prevent traversal attacks. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of validating all user-supplied input and implementing proper access controls for sensitive application directories regardless of the platform or application server being used.