CVE-2006-2759 in jetty
Summary
by MITRE
jetty 6.0.x (jetty6) beta16 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary script source code via a capital P in the .jsp extension, and probably other mixed case manipulations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2759 affects the jetty 6.0.x web server implementation including the beta16 release, representing a significant security flaw in the handling of file extensions and resource access control. This issue demonstrates a critical weakness in the server's path resolution mechanism that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive script source code files. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the server processes requests containing mixed-case extensions, particularly where the letter 'P' appears in uppercase within .jsp file extensions.
The technical flaw stems from the jetty server's inadequate validation of file extension case sensitivity, which allows attackers to manipulate the case of characters in file extensions to bypass normal access controls. When a request is made with a mixed-case .jsp extension such as .Jsp or .JSP, the server fails to properly canonicalize or normalize the extension, leading to improper resource resolution and access. This behavior creates a path traversal vulnerability where the server may inadvertently serve the source code of jsp files instead of executing them properly. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-770 Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling, as it allows for unauthorized resource access through improper input handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it enables remote attackers to obtain sensitive source code information that may contain database credentials, application logic, business rules, and other confidential implementation details. This exposure can lead to further exploitation opportunities including the discovery of additional vulnerabilities within the application code, potential credential theft, and the ability to craft more sophisticated attacks against the target system. The vulnerability affects any web application deployed on jetty 6.0.x servers that processes jsp files, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where such applications may contain proprietary code or sensitive business logic.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and normalization of file extensions to ensure case consistency before processing requests. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of jetty 6.0.x or migrate to supported versions that address this vulnerability. The implementation of proper access controls and the use of security headers can help reduce the impact of such vulnerabilities. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar issues in other web applications and frameworks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 Data from Information Repositories and T1566 Phishing, as it can be exploited to obtain sensitive information that could be used in social engineering attacks or to facilitate further compromise of the target environment.