CVE-2005-0296 in GroupWise
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** NOTE: this issue has been disputed by the vendor. The error module in Novell GroupWise WebAccess allows remote attackers who have not authenticated to read potentially sensitive information, such as the version, via an incorrect login and a modified (1) error or (2) modify parameter that returns template files or the "about" information page. NOTE: the vendor has disputed this issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0296 relates to Novell GroupWise WebAccess, a web-based email and collaboration platform that was widely used in enterprise environments during the mid-2000s. This issue represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that could potentially expose sensitive system details to unauthenticated attackers. The vulnerability exists within the error handling mechanism of the web application, specifically in how it processes authentication failures and subsequent parameter manipulation. When users attempt to log in with invalid credentials, the system's response reveals information that should remain hidden from unauthorized parties, creating a potential reconnaissance opportunity for attackers seeking to understand the target environment.
The technical flaw manifests through the manipulation of specific parameters within the web application's error handling routines. Attackers can exploit this by submitting incorrect login credentials and then modifying either the error or modify parameter in their requests. This manipulation causes the system to return template files or the "about" information page that contains version information and other potentially sensitive data. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper error message handling within the web application's authentication flow, allowing the system to disclose internal implementation details without proper authentication. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, which deals with improper output sanitization, and represents a common pattern in web applications where error handling reveals system internals.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial intelligence for planning more sophisticated attacks. The exposure of version information enables threat actors to identify specific vulnerabilities associated with that version of GroupWise WebAccess, potentially leading to exploitation of known vulnerabilities in the system. The disclosure of template files or "about" pages could reveal internal directory structures, system configurations, or other sensitive implementation details that would otherwise remain hidden. This information could be leveraged in conjunction with other attack vectors to bypass security controls or tailor more targeted attacks against the system. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1592 (Gather Victim Host Information) techniques, as it enables adversaries to collect system information without authentication.
Organizations using Novell GroupWise WebAccess should implement several mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves strengthening the error handling mechanism to ensure that authentication failures do not reveal system internals or version information. This includes implementing generic error messages that do not disclose specific system details regardless of the authentication state. Input validation should be enhanced to prevent parameter manipulation that could trigger the information disclosure behavior. Additionally, proper access control measures should be enforced to ensure that even if the vulnerability exists, unauthorized access attempts are properly blocked. Security hardening of the web application should include reviewing and modifying error handling routines to prevent template file exposure, which aligns with the principle of least privilege and defense in depth. The vendor's disputed status does not negate the need for organizations to implement these protective measures, as the vulnerability represents a legitimate security concern that could be exploited in the absence of proper mitigations.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of secure error handling in web applications, particularly in enterprise collaboration platforms that handle sensitive business information. This issue demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in error processing can create significant security risks, as the information disclosed could be used to target more serious vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the need for regular security assessments of legacy systems, as older applications may contain undiscovered flaws that could be exploited by modern attack techniques. Organizations should consider implementing automated tools to scan for similar error handling vulnerabilities across their web applications, as these issues often persist in systems that have not been updated with modern security practices. The incident serves as a reminder that even vendor-disputed vulnerabilities may warrant careful consideration and defensive implementation, particularly in environments where system exposure to external threats is a primary concern.