CVE-2002-2012 in HTTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in Apache 1.3.19 running on HP Secure OS for Linux 1.0 allows remote attackers to cause "unexpected results" via an HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2012 represents a critical security flaw in Apache HTTP Server version 1.3.19 when deployed on HP Secure OS for Linux 1.0 environment. This issue manifests as an unknown weakness that specifically affects the web server's handling of HTTP requests, creating potential pathways for remote exploitation that could result in unpredictable system behavior. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within a hardened operating system environment where additional security controls are typically implemented, yet this flaw manages to bypass or exploit underlying mechanisms that should provide enhanced protection. The affected configuration combines the widely deployed Apache 1.3.19 web server with HP's specialized security-focused Linux distribution, creating a unique attack surface that differs from standard Apache deployments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in how Apache 1.3.19 processes incoming HTTP requests when operating on the HP Secure OS platform. While the exact mechanism remains unspecified in the CVE description, the phrase "unexpected results" suggests potential buffer overflows, memory corruption, or improper input validation that could lead to arbitrary code execution or service disruption. The interaction between the Apache web server and the HP Secure OS kernel modifications creates a complex environment where standard exploitation techniques might be modified or enhanced. This vulnerability demonstrates how the integration of security-focused operating systems with commercial web servers can sometimes introduce unforeseen weaknesses, particularly when the operating system implements additional security controls that may conflict with or inadequately handle certain web server operations. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the HTTP protocol to deliver malicious payloads that can trigger the underlying flaw.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enable complete system compromise when exploited by remote attackers. Attackers could leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data, escalating privileges, or using the compromised server as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The unpredictable nature of the "unexpected results" indicates that the vulnerability may manifest differently depending on the specific HTTP request parameters, making detection and mitigation more challenging. Organizations running this specific configuration face significant risk as the vulnerability exists in a version of Apache that was widely deployed in enterprise environments during the early 2000s, with many systems likely still running outdated configurations that have not been properly updated or patched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2012 should prioritize immediate system updates to the latest available Apache versions, specifically targeting versions that address known vulnerabilities in the 1.3.x series. System administrators must ensure that all Apache installations on HP Secure OS platforms are updated to versions that have been thoroughly tested for compatibility with the security-focused operating system environment. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected web server, limiting exposure to only trusted sources while monitoring for suspicious HTTP traffic patterns. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive logging and monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous HTTP request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and may also relate to CWE-79, representing cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, depending on the specific exploitation mechanism. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability would map to techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation, potentially enabling adversaries to establish persistent access to affected systems. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy systems that may not have received proper security updates over time.