CVE-2002-1856 in Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
HP Application Server 8.0, 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 • 09/01/2025
This vulnerability in HP Application Server 8.0 represents a critical directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access sensitive server components through improper path handling. The vulnerability specifically affects the server's response to requests containing a trailing dot in directory paths, allowing unauthorized access to the WEB-INF directory where Java class files and configuration information are stored. This represents a fundamental failure in input validation and path resolution mechanisms within the application server's file access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the server's inadequate handling of directory path requests with trailing dots, which creates a path traversal condition that bypasses normal access controls. When an attacker submits a request to WEB-INF. (note the trailing dot), the server processes this request in a manner that allows access to files within the WEB-INF directory structure. This behavior violates standard security principles for web application security and demonstrates a lack of proper input sanitization. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22 Directory Traversal and CWE-23 Relative Path Traversal, both of which are well-documented weaknesses in web application security that enable attackers to access files outside of intended directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with access to Java class files and configuration information that typically contains sensitive data such as database connection strings, application settings, and potentially authentication credentials. The WEB-INF directory contains critical application components that should remain protected from unauthorized access, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for enterprise environments. Attackers can leverage this access to gain insights into application architecture, potentially leading to further exploitation opportunities including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or system compromise. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 Accessing Application Data, as it provides unauthorized access to application configuration and class files.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected HP Application Server 8.0 instances to address the path traversal vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all file path requests, ensuring that directory traversal attempts are properly rejected or normalized. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems should be configured to detect and block requests containing suspicious path patterns including trailing dots. Additionally, access controls should be strengthened to ensure that sensitive directories like WEB-INF are properly protected through proper directory permissions and access control lists. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous file access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing proper security controls for web application servers.