CVE-2003-0153 in Bonsai
Summary
by MITRE
bonsai Mozilla CVS query tool leaks the absolute pathname of the tool in certain error messages generated by (1) cvslog.cgi, (2) cvsview2.cgi, or (3) multidiff.cgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0153 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the bonsai Mozilla CVS query tool ecosystem. This issue manifests in three specific CGI scripts namely cvslogcgi, cvsview2cgi, and multidiffcgi which collectively form part of the Mozilla project's version control system interface. The vulnerability stems from improper error handling mechanisms that inadvertently expose sensitive system information through error message generation processes.
The technical flaw occurs when these CGI scripts encounter operational failures or invalid input conditions. Instead of generating generic error messages that obscure system details, the scripts return error responses that contain the absolute file path where the bonsai tool is installed on the server. This path disclosure represents a fundamental security weakness that violates the principle of least privilege and information hiding in secure system design. The absolute pathname leakage provides attackers with precise knowledge of the tool's installation location, potentially revealing the underlying operating system structure and directory hierarchy.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability significantly increases the attack surface for malicious actors who can leverage the leaked path information to conduct more sophisticated attacks. The disclosed absolute path enables attackers to perform directory traversal attacks, identify potential system vulnerabilities, and plan targeted exploitation strategies. Security researchers have categorized this type of information disclosure as a CWE-200 vulnerability, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through error messages and debugging output. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, which covers exploitation for credential access through information gathering and reconnaissance activities.
The implications extend beyond simple path disclosure as this information can serve as a foundation for further exploitation attempts. Attackers can use the leaked paths to identify other potentially vulnerable components in the system, map out the server's file structure, and potentially discover additional security weaknesses that may not be immediately apparent. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA security triad by exposing system internals that should remain hidden from external entities. Organizations running the bonsai tool are particularly at risk as the disclosed information can be used to tailor more effective attacks against their specific infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper error handling mechanisms that sanitize all error messages to prevent path disclosure. The most effective approach involves modifying the CGI scripts to generate generic error responses that do not contain any system-specific information. Additionally, administrators should ensure that all error handling code is reviewed for potential information leakage and that appropriate logging mechanisms are implemented to monitor for suspicious activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, as recommended in industry standards such as the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and NIST Special Publication 800-115 for technical guidelines on vulnerability assessment and mitigation.