CVE-2003-1127 in e-Gap
Summary
by MITRE
Whale Communications e-Gap 2.5 on Windows 2000 allows remote attackers to obtain the source code for the login page via the HTTP TRACE method, which bypasses the preprocessor.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1127 represents a significant security flaw in Whale Communications e-Gap 2.5 software running on Windows 2000 systems. This issue specifically targets the web server component of the e-Gap application, which is designed for enterprise communication and collaboration. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of HTTP TRACE methods within the web server implementation, creating an unintended information disclosure channel that could be exploited by remote attackers without authentication. The affected system configuration of Windows 2000 with e-Gap 2.5 creates a particularly vulnerable environment due to the age of both the operating system and the application software, which likely lacks modern security mitigations and updates.
The technical flaw manifests through the HTTP TRACE method implementation within the web server's preprocessor component. When a remote attacker sends an HTTP TRACE request to the vulnerable e-Gap server, the system fails to properly filter or reject this method, allowing the server to respond with the actual source code of the login page. This occurs because the preprocessor does not adequately validate incoming HTTP methods or implement proper access controls for different request types. The TRACE method typically serves diagnostic purposes and should be restricted or disabled on production servers, but the e-Gap 2.5 implementation fails to enforce this restriction, creating a direct pathway for source code disclosure. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper filtering of sensitive data, and CWE-444, which covers improper request handling in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposure of login page source code provides attackers with valuable intelligence for subsequent attacks. The disclosed source code may reveal internal application structure, potential input validation points, server-side implementation details, and other sensitive information that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or further exploitation. Attackers could use this information to craft more sophisticated attacks, identify other potential vulnerabilities within the application, or develop targeted social engineering campaigns. The fact that this vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication makes it particularly dangerous, as it requires no prior access to the system and can be discovered through automated scanning tools. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting through various means including reconnaissance of exposed web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through software updates or patches provided by Whale Communications, though given the age of the software and operating system, such patches may no longer be available. System administrators should implement network-level restrictions to disable HTTP TRACE methods at the firewall or proxy level, preventing unauthorized access to the vulnerable functionality. The recommended approach includes configuring the web server to explicitly reject TRACE requests or disable the method entirely, which addresses the root cause of the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and access controls within the application layer would help prevent similar issues in the future. Organizations should also consider migrating away from legacy systems like Windows 2000 and e-Gap 2.5, as these platforms are no longer supported and pose significant security risks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper HTTP method handling and access control enforcement in web applications, as outlined in security standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure web application development.