CVE-2002-2024 in IMP
Summary
by MITRE
Horde IMP 2.2.7 allows remote attackers to obtain the full web root pathname via an HTTP request for (1) poppassd.php3, (2) login.php3?reason=chpass2, (3) spelling.php3, and (4) ldap.search.php3?ldap_serv=nonsense which leaks the information in error messages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2025
This vulnerability resides in Horde IMP 2.2.7, a web-based email client application that was widely used in the early 2000s. The flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability where error messages inadvertently reveal sensitive system information including the full web root pathname. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-209, which specifically addresses the exposure of error messages containing sensitive information. The vulnerability affects multiple script files including poppassd.php3, login.php3 with reason=chpass2 parameter, spelling.php3, and ldap.search.php3 with a nonsense ldap_serv parameter. These scripts are part of the application's authentication and directory services functionality, making them particularly attractive targets for attackers seeking to map the underlying system architecture.
The technical exploitation occurs through crafted HTTP requests that trigger error conditions in the application's error handling mechanisms. When these specific scripts encounter invalid parameters or failed operations, they generate error messages that contain the full file system path where the application is installed. This information leakage represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with precise knowledge of the server's file structure, which can be leveraged for further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects multiple entry points within the application, increasing the attack surface and making it easier for adversaries to discover the sensitive path information through various combinations of requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical system mapping information that can be used for subsequent attacks. An attacker who obtains the web root pathname can potentially identify other files and directories that may contain sensitive data or configuration information. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers the discovery of system information through directory listing and file enumeration techniques. The leak of the full web root path enables more sophisticated attacks such as path traversal attempts, local file inclusion vulnerabilities, or even direct exploitation of other vulnerabilities that may exist in the application's file handling mechanisms. The information disclosure can also be combined with other reconnaissance activities to build a comprehensive attack plan against the target system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper error handling and sanitization of user inputs. Applications should be configured to suppress detailed error messages in production environments and instead display generic error pages that do not reveal system information. The recommended approach includes implementing centralized error handling mechanisms that catch and log errors internally while presenting users with user-friendly error messages. Additionally, input validation should be strengthened to prevent the specific parameter combinations that trigger the vulnerable error conditions. Organizations should also implement proper logging and monitoring to detect unusual request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in OWASP Top 10, specifically addressing the risk of information disclosure through error handling mechanisms. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure that error handling is properly configured to prevent information leakage.