CVE-2003-0764 in Escapade Scripting Engine
Summary
by MITRE
Escapade Scripting Engine (ESP) allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive path information via a malformed request, which leaks the information in an error message, as demonstrated using the PAGE parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2025
The Escapade Scripting Engine vulnerability represents a classic information disclosure flaw that emerged in 2003, affecting web applications built on this scripting platform. This vulnerability specifically targets the error handling mechanisms within the ESP framework, where malformed requests trigger verbose error messages containing sensitive path information. The exploitation occurs when attackers manipulate the PAGE parameter in HTTP requests, causing the system to generate detailed error responses that inadvertently reveal the underlying file system structure and server paths. Such information leakage creates significant security implications as it provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance data about the target environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling practices within the ESP engine. When a malformed request containing the PAGE parameter is processed, the system fails to properly sanitize the input before generating error responses. This results in the inclusion of absolute or relative file paths, directory structures, and potentially sensitive configuration details within the error message output. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes improper error handling as a weakness leading to information disclosure, and represents a fundamental flaw in the principle of least privilege where system internals are exposed to unauthorized parties through error responses.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it significantly aids attackers in conducting more sophisticated penetration testing activities. The leaked path information allows adversaries to map the server's file structure, identify potential attack vectors, and plan subsequent exploitation attempts. Security professionals have documented how such path leakage can lead to further vulnerabilities including local file inclusion attacks, directory traversal exploits, and privilege escalation opportunities. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper error handling that does not expose system internals to end users or unauthorized parties, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's information gathering techniques where path leakage serves as a foundational reconnaissance step for attackers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0764 require comprehensive input validation and error handling improvements across all web applications utilizing the Escapade Scripting Engine. Organizations should implement proper request sanitization to prevent malformed inputs from triggering error responses, while ensuring that all error messages contain minimal information and do not reveal system paths or internal structures. The implementation of generic error pages that do not expose technical details represents a fundamental security practice that should be enforced throughout the application stack. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that error handling mechanisms properly sanitize all user inputs and that logging systems do not inadvertently expose sensitive information through error messages. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling as outlined in various security standards including OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, emphasizing that information disclosure through error handling remains one of the most persistent threats in web application security.