CVE-2004-2336 in GroupWise
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in Novell GroupWise and GroupWise WebAccess 6.0 through 6.5, when running with Apache Web Server 1.3 for NetWare where Apache is loaded using GWAPACHE.CONF, allows remote attackers to read directories and files on the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2017
This vulnerability exists within Novell GroupWise and GroupWise WebAccess versions 6.0 through 6.5 when integrated with Apache Web Server 1.3 for NetWare. The specific configuration involves loading Apache through the GWAPACHE.CONF file which creates a unique attack surface. The flaw stems from improper access controls and path traversal mechanisms within the web server configuration that fails to properly validate file access requests. This allows remote attackers to bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms to access directories and files that should remain restricted. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which represents a classic path traversal issue where attacker-controlled input is not properly sanitized before being used in file system operations. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability provides attackers with unauthorized access to sensitive server data including configuration files, user data, and potentially system files that could lead to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the Apache web server configuration process where the GWAPACHE.CONF file loads the web server components. When Apache is loaded in this manner, it inherits certain security contexts that fail to properly enforce access restrictions. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specific HTTP requests that manipulate path variables to navigate beyond the intended web root directory. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the web server level where legitimate web traffic is processed, making detection more difficult. The attack can be executed without requiring any special privileges or authentication, as the flaw exists in the configuration loading mechanism itself rather than in user authentication processes. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for Valid Accounts and T1566.001 for Phishing, as attackers can leverage the compromised web server to gain access to sensitive information without needing to first establish valid user credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more serious attacks. Successful exploitation can result in the exposure of sensitive user data, system configuration files, and potentially administrative credentials stored within the GroupWise environment. The vulnerability affects organizations using legacy Novell GroupWise deployments where upgrading to newer versions may not be immediately possible due to compatibility or migration constraints. Organizations running these specific versions of GroupWise with Apache 1.3 for NetWare are at risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to internal network resources. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to gather intelligence about the target environment including server configurations, user account structures, and potentially other system vulnerabilities that could be exploited in subsequent attacks. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack surface assessment, particularly in environments where legacy systems are still operational and where proper network segmentation may not be in place to isolate these vulnerable components from external access. The threat landscape for this vulnerability includes both automated scanning tools that look for known patterns and targeted attacks by sophisticated threat actors seeking to exploit outdated systems. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation, access control restrictions, and monitoring for unusual file access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.