CVE-2002-2427 in WebServer
Summary
by MITRE
The security handler in GoAhead WebServer before 2.1.1 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and obtain access to protected web content via "an extra slash in a URL," a different vulnerability than CVE-2002-1603.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2427 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in the GoAhead WebServer software family. This security weakness specifically affects versions prior to 2.1.1 and enables remote attackers to circumvent access controls through a clever manipulation of URL structure. The vulnerability operates through a technique involving the insertion of extra slashes within URLs, creating a path traversal condition that allows unauthorized access to protected web resources. This flaw demonstrates the complexity of web server security implementations and how seemingly minor parsing inconsistencies can lead to significant access control breaches.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from how the GoAhead WebServer processes URLs containing multiple consecutive slashes. When an attacker crafts a URL with extra slashes, the web server's security handler fails to properly normalize the path before performing authentication checks. This path normalization failure creates a condition where the server incorrectly interprets the request, allowing access to resources that should be protected by authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web server's URL parsing and access control logic rather than underlying network protocols or operating system components.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-2427 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to potentially sensitive web content. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to administrative interfaces, user data, configuration files, or other protected resources that should remain restricted to authorized users only. This authentication bypass represents a significant threat to web server security and could enable further attacks such as data exfiltration, system compromise, or privilege escalation within the web application environment. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-22 indicates it relates to path traversal issues, while its exploitation patterns align with techniques described in ATT&CK framework under T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for social engineering methods that can be used to gain initial access.
Organizations running vulnerable versions of GoAhead WebServer face substantial security risks, particularly in environments where sensitive data is exposed through web interfaces. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web environments. System administrators should immediately implement mitigation strategies including upgrading to GoAhead WebServer version 2.1.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the path normalization issue. Additional protective measures may include implementing URL filtering rules, monitoring for unusual URL patterns, and conducting thorough security audits of web server configurations to identify potential exploitation vectors. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and path normalization in web server implementations, particularly when dealing with user-supplied data that could be manipulated to bypass security controls.