CVE-2002-1858 in Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
Oracle Oracle9i Application Server 1.0.2.2 and 9.0.2 through 9.0.2.0.1, 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 exists in Oracle9i Application Server versions 1.0.2.2 through 9.0.2.0.1 when deployed on Windows operating systems. The flaw stems from improper handling of directory traversal requests that contain trailing dots in path components, specifically affecting access to the WEB-INF directory. The WEB-INF directory is a standard Java web application container location that typically stores sensitive files including compiled Java class files, deployment descriptors, and configuration information that should remain protected from unauthorized access. When an attacker crafts a request containing a trailing dot in the WEB-INF path component such as "WEB-INF.", the server fails to properly sanitize this input, allowing unauthorized retrieval of files that would normally be restricted. This represents a classic directory traversal vulnerability that violates fundamental security principles of access control and information hiding. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because WEB-INF directories typically contain critical application configuration files, database connection details, and compiled class files that could reveal implementation details and potentially lead to further exploitation. The issue is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 which covers "File and Directory Discovery" as part of reconnaissance activities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the web server request parsing layer where the application server fails to properly canonicalize or validate path components that contain trailing dots. When a request is made to a path like "WEB-INF." the server should normalize this path to prevent access to restricted directories, but instead processes it in a way that allows traversal to the WEB-INF directory contents. This behavior demonstrates a lack of proper input validation and path normalization mechanisms within the application server's request handling code. The vulnerability is specifically Windows-specific, suggesting that the issue relates to how Windows file system APIs handle trailing dots in path resolution, which differs from Unix-like systems where such paths are typically rejected or normalized differently. Attackers can exploit this by crafting HTTP requests that include the trailing dot notation to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive configuration files, class files, and potentially database connection strings or other privileged information that should remain hidden from external access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information that could be used for further attacks against the target system. The exposure of Java class files and configuration information provides attackers with detailed insights into the application architecture, potentially revealing implementation flaws, database connection details, and authentication mechanisms. This information could be leveraged to craft more sophisticated attacks including exploitation of application-specific vulnerabilities or to conduct social engineering attacks against system administrators. The vulnerability essentially undermines the principle of least privilege by allowing unauthorized access to protected application resources that should only be accessible to authorized personnel or internal system components. The disclosure of configuration files could expose database credentials, application passwords, or other sensitive data that could compromise the entire application stack. Additionally, the exposure of compiled class files may reveal implementation details that could be used to identify additional vulnerabilities or to develop targeted attacks against specific application components.
Organizations should immediately apply the relevant Oracle security patches or updates that address this directory traversal vulnerability in their Oracle9i Application Server installations. The patching process should include thorough testing in development and staging environments before deployment to production systems to ensure that the updates do not introduce compatibility issues with existing applications. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit access to the affected application server to only authorized personnel and systems. Web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious path traversal attempts, including requests containing trailing dots in directory names. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications and servers within the organization. The incident should be logged and monitored for any signs of exploitation attempts, with security information and event management systems configured to alert on suspicious requests to WEB-INF directories. Organizations should also conduct security awareness training for developers to prevent similar path traversal vulnerabilities in custom applications and ensure proper input validation and path canonicalization are implemented in all web applications. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and the need for comprehensive security testing of web applications, particularly those running on platforms with specific file system behaviors that may introduce unexpected security implications.