CVE-2002-2008 in Tomcat
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Tomcat 4.0.3 for Windows allows remote attackers to obtain the web root path via an HTTP request for a resource that does not exist, such as lpt9, which leaks the information in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2025
This vulnerability in Apache Tomcat 4.0.3 for Windows represents a classic information disclosure flaw that arises from improper error handling mechanisms within the web server implementation. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes HTTP requests for non-existent resources, particularly those that resemble Windows device names such as lpt9, which triggers an error response containing the absolute file system path of the web root directory. This occurs due to the application's failure to sanitize error messages before returning them to client systems, creating an information exposure that can be exploited by remote attackers.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from the application's inadequate input validation and error message generation processes. When a request is made for a non-existent resource that matches the naming convention of Windows device files, the Tomcat server attempts to resolve the path and encounters an error condition. Rather than generating a generic error message, the system includes the full file system path in the response, effectively leaking sensitive system information. This behavior aligns with CWE-209, which describes the improper handling of exceptions that reveal internal system information, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices that mandate the sanitization of error messages to prevent information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical system path information that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains knowledge of the web application's file system structure, which can facilitate directory traversal attacks, local file inclusion vulnerabilities, or serve as a foundation for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. The leaked path information can also be used in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to craft more effective attack payloads, making this a particularly dangerous flaw in the context of web application security. This vulnerability directly maps to techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under the information gathering phase, where adversaries collect system information to plan further attacks.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical skill and can be accomplished through simple HTTP requests, making it particularly dangerous as it can be discovered and exploited by automated scanning tools. The vulnerability affects the Windows-specific implementation of Tomcat 4.0.3 and highlights the importance of platform-specific security considerations in web application deployment. Organizations running this version of Tomcat on Windows systems are at significant risk, as the vulnerability provides attackers with the exact path structure necessary for advanced exploitation attempts. The remediation strategy involves upgrading to a patched version of Apache Tomcat that properly sanitizes error messages and implements secure error handling mechanisms. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding, along with regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning, can help prevent exploitation of similar information disclosure vulnerabilities. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure error handling practices in web applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks.