CVE-2003-1168 in HTTP Commander
Summary
by MITRE
HTTP Commander 4.0 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an HTTP request that contains a . (dot) in the file parameter, which reveals the installation path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2025
CVE-2003-1168 represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability affecting HTTP Commander 4.0 web application. This flaw stems from inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms within the application's file parameter processing. When a remote attacker submits an HTTP request containing a dot character in the file parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize this input, resulting in the exposure of sensitive installation path information through error messages. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates a fundamental lack of proper security controls in the web application's response to malformed requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the application's error handling behavior to disclose system information. When the dot character is processed in the file parameter, the web server or application framework generates an error message that inadvertently includes the absolute file path where HTTP Commander is installed. This occurs because the application does not properly validate or sanitize user input before processing it, allowing the malicious input to trigger an error condition that reveals system-level information. The flaw falls under the category of improper error handling and information exposure, which aligns with CWE-209, which describes "Information Exposure Through an Error Message." This vulnerability represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with critical system information that could be used for further exploitation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a substantial risk to the security posture of systems running HTTP Commander 4.0. The exposure of installation paths enables attackers to gain knowledge about the target system's directory structure, which can facilitate subsequent attacks such as path traversal attempts or exploitation of other vulnerabilities present in the same environment. Attackers can use the disclosed path information to craft more targeted attacks, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive files or system compromise. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the security triad by leaking sensitive information that should remain private. This type of information disclosure vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications share similar directory structures or where the disclosed paths contain clues about the underlying operating system or framework versions.
The exploitation of CVE-2003-1168 requires minimal technical skill and can be accomplished through standard HTTP request manipulation techniques. Attackers typically need only to craft a simple HTTP request containing a dot character in the file parameter to trigger the information disclosure. This low complexity makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers with limited technical expertise. Organizations running vulnerable versions of HTTP Commander should consider implementing immediate mitigations including input validation, proper error handling, and security configuration changes. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, which emphasizes the need for proper error handling and input validation to prevent information disclosure attacks. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates the need for regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes to identify and remediate such flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
This vulnerability type relates to broader attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Information Gathering phase, specifically targeting the collection of system information that can be used for further exploitation. The disclosure of installation paths provides attackers with reconnaissance data that can be combined with other reconnaissance techniques to build a comprehensive profile of the target system. Organizations should implement proper logging and monitoring to detect such information disclosure attempts, as well as ensure that error messages do not contain sensitive system information. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure configuration management and regular updates to address known security flaws in web applications.