CVE-2004-2763 in iPlanet Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of Sun ONE/iPlanet Web Server 4.1 SP1 through SP12 and 6.0 SP1 through SP5 responds to the HTTP TRACE request, which can allow remote attackers to steal information using cross-site tracing (XST) attacks in applications that are vulnerable to cross-site scripting.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2763 represents a critical security flaw in the Sun ONE/iPlanet Web Server versions 4.1 SP1 through SP12 and 6.0 SP1 through SP5. This issue stems from the server's default configuration that enables HTTP TRACE method responses, creating an exploitable condition that directly impacts web application security. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote attackers to leverage cross-site tracing techniques to extract sensitive information from web applications that are already vulnerable to cross-site scripting attacks. The HTTP TRACE method, when enabled, permits the server to echo back the complete HTTP request that was received, including potentially sensitive headers and cookies that may be present in the request.
The technical flaw manifests through the server's handling of HTTP TRACE requests, which should normally be disabled in production environments to prevent information leakage. When TRACE is enabled, it creates a pathway for attackers to perform cross-site tracing attacks where malicious scripts can be crafted to make TRACE requests to the vulnerable server. The server's response to these requests includes the full HTTP request including authentication tokens, session cookies, and other sensitive data that may be present in the request headers. This vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-1238, which addresses the improper restriction of HTTP TRACE method usage, and represents a classic example of how default configurations can create security risks that are often overlooked during deployment. The flaw operates under the principle that when a web server accepts TRACE requests, it essentially provides an information disclosure mechanism that can be exploited by attackers to bypass security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a vector for more sophisticated attacks that can be combined with existing cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when visited by users, automatically make TRACE requests to the vulnerable server and then extract sensitive information from the server's response. This technique is particularly dangerous because it can bypass traditional security measures such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems that may not be configured to monitor or block TRACE requests. The vulnerability affects organizations that deploy these older web server versions without proper security hardening, creating a persistent risk that can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS and T1566.001 for Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as it enables attackers to harvest credentials and sensitive information through web-based attack vectors.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability by disabling HTTP TRACE requests on all web server instances, particularly those running the affected Sun ONE/iPlanet versions. The recommended approach involves configuring the web server to either completely disable the TRACE method or to respond with a 405 Method Not Allowed status when TRACE requests are received. Security administrators should also ensure that all web applications deployed on these servers are properly configured to prevent cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, as the TRACE functionality only becomes exploitable when combined with existing XSS flaws. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits to identify all instances of the vulnerable software and ensure that proper security configurations are implemented across all web server deployments. The mitigation strategy should include implementing proper HTTP method restrictions and ensuring that security hardening guidelines are followed for all web server installations, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper default security configurations in preventing exploitation.