CVE-2004-2518 in Gattaca Server 2003
Summary
by MITRE
Gattaca Server 2003 1.1.10.0 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via (1) a trailing null byte ("%00") to a URL or (2) an invalid LANGUAGE parameter to web.tmpl, which reveals the full installation path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2518 affects Gattaca Server 2003 version 1.1.10.0, a web application server that was widely used for hosting dynamic web content. This vulnerability represents a classic information disclosure issue that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized knowledge about the server's internal configuration and file structure. The vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors that both ultimately result in the exposure of sensitive system information. The first vector involves the manipulation of URL parameters using a trailing null byte encoded as "%00", while the second vector exploits improper handling of invalid LANGUAGE parameters within the web.tmpl file. Both attack methods leverage the server's inadequate input validation mechanisms and error handling procedures.
The technical flaw stems from the server's failure to properly sanitize input parameters before processing them, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious data that triggers unintended error responses. When a trailing null byte is appended to a URL, the server's parsing mechanism may not properly handle the termination character, causing the application to process the request in an unexpected manner that exposes internal path information. Similarly, when an invalid LANGUAGE parameter is provided to web.tmpl, the server's error handling routine fails to properly mask or sanitize the error message, thereby revealing the complete installation path of the application. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, which deals with Information Exposure, and specifically relates to CWE-1234, which addresses improper handling of input that leads to information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with critical system information that can be used for further exploitation attempts. The revelation of the full installation path exposes the underlying file system structure, potentially allowing attackers to map the application's directory hierarchy and identify other potential attack surfaces. This information disclosure can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks including directory traversal, file inclusion vulnerabilities, or privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability affects the server's security posture by reducing the attack surface and providing attackers with knowledge that would otherwise be protected through proper input validation and error handling. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1005 (Data from Local System), as it enables adversaries to gather information about the system's file structure and configuration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application. The server should be configured to reject or properly encode null bytes in URL parameters, and all error messages should be sanitized to prevent the disclosure of system paths or internal configuration details. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and input filtering at the web server level can help prevent such information disclosure attacks. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious input patterns, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that error handling routines properly mask sensitive information while maintaining application functionality.