CVE-2005-4703 in Tomcat
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Tomcat 4.0.3, when running on Windows, allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a request for a file that contains an MS-DOS device name such as lpt9, which leaks the pathname in an error message, as demonstrated by lpt9.xtp using Nikto.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2025
This vulnerability in Apache Tomcat 4.0.3 represents a classic information disclosure flaw that exploits the operating system's handling of MS-DOS device names on Windows platforms. The vulnerability occurs when the web server processes requests for files that contain MS-DOS device names such as lpt9, com1, or other reserved device identifiers. When Tomcat attempts to serve these requests, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the input, causing the system to leak directory path information through error messages generated by the Windows operating system's file handling mechanisms.
The technical exploitation involves sending HTTP requests that reference files with MS-DOS device names, which are then processed by the underlying Windows file system. When the system encounters these invalid file paths, it generates error messages that inadvertently reveal the absolute file path of the Tomcat installation directory. This information disclosure occurs because Windows treats these device names as special system identifiers and returns detailed error information that includes the full path where the request was processed. The vulnerability is specifically prevalent on Windows systems where Tomcat operates, as the underlying operating system's file handling behavior differs significantly from Unix-like systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical system information that can be used for further exploitation. An attacker can leverage this leaked path information to understand the server's directory structure, potentially leading to more sophisticated attacks such as path traversal or directory listing attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited using simple HTTP requests, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. Security scanning tools like Nikto have demonstrated the ability to automatically detect this vulnerability by sending requests containing device names and analyzing the error responses for path information.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which covers "Information Exposure," and demonstrates how improper input validation can lead to unintended information disclosure. The attack pattern follows the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1083 for "File and Directory Discovery" as attackers can use this information to map the server's file system structure. The vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in how the application handles file system interactions on Windows platforms, where the application should have implemented proper input sanitization and error handling to prevent the leakage of system information.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to newer versions of Apache Tomcat where this vulnerability has been resolved, implementing proper input validation for file requests, and configuring the web server to suppress detailed error messages that might reveal system paths. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block requests containing MS-DOS device names. Additionally, system administrators should ensure that Tomcat is not running on Windows systems where possible, or implement proper security hardening measures that prevent the leakage of directory information through error responses. The vulnerability underscores the importance of understanding platform-specific behaviors when developing web applications and the critical need for comprehensive input validation across all operating systems.