CVE-2007-3571 in GroupWise
Summary
by MITRE
The Apache Web Server as used in Novell NetWare 6.5 and GroupWise allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a certain directive to Apache that causes the HTTP-Header response to be modified, which may reveal the server s internal IP address.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3571 represents a significant information disclosure issue within the Apache web server implementation used in Novell NetWare 6.5 and GroupWise environments. This flaw stems from a specific directive within the Apache configuration that, when processed, modifies HTTP header responses in a manner that inadvertently exposes the server's internal IP address. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it demonstrates how seemingly benign configuration directives can create unexpected security implications, especially in enterprise environments where internal network topology information is considered sensitive.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the manipulation of HTTP response headers through a specific Apache directive that controls how the server processes certain requests. When an attacker crafts a particular request that triggers this directive, the Apache server responds with modified headers that include the internal IP address in a location where it should not be exposed. This behavior creates a situation where the server's internal network configuration becomes visible to external parties who might not otherwise have access to such information. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which deals with information exposure, and represents a specific instance of information leakage through improper header handling.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses substantial risks to organizations running Novell NetWare 6.5 or GroupWise environments. The exposure of internal IP addresses provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance information that can be used to map network topologies, identify internal services, and plan more sophisticated attacks. The information disclosure can be leveraged in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to create more effective attack vectors. This type of information leakage aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the information gathering phase, where adversaries collect network information to inform their subsequent attack activities. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where network segmentation is relied upon for security, as the exposure of internal IP addresses can undermine the effectiveness of such security measures.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve careful review and modification of Apache configuration directives that control HTTP header responses. System administrators should ensure that sensitive internal information is not exposed through HTTP responses, particularly in environments where external access to the web server is possible. The recommended approach includes implementing proper header filtering mechanisms, reviewing all configuration directives that might affect response headers, and ensuring that internal network information remains hidden from external clients. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual header modifications and establish regular security audits of their web server configurations to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.