CVE-2007-5366 in Interstage Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
The Tomcat 4.1-based Servlet Service in Fujitsu Interstage Application Server 7.0 through 9.0.0 and Interstage Apworks/Studio 7.0 through 9.0.0 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information (web root path) via unspecified vectors that trigger an error message, probably related to enabling the useCanonCaches Java Virtual Machine (JVM) option.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5366 affects Fujitsu Interstage Application Server versions 7.0 through 9.0.0 and Interstage Apworks/Studio 7.0 through 9.0.0 which are built on Apache Tomcat 4.1 servlet service components. This security flaw represents a sensitive data exposure issue that occurs when the application server encounters error conditions and generates error messages containing privileged information. The vulnerability specifically manifests when certain error scenarios trigger the disclosure of the web root path, which constitutes a critical information disclosure vulnerability that can significantly aid attackers in understanding the target system architecture. The flaw is particularly concerning as it operates through unspecified vectors that suggest a broad range of potential attack paths, making the vulnerability more difficult to predict and defend against effectively.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from the interaction between the Tomcat 4.1 servlet service implementation and the Java Virtual Machine configuration, specifically when the useCanonCaches JVM option is enabled. This particular JVM setting controls how canonical file paths are cached within the Java runtime environment, and when improperly configured or when error conditions occur, it can cause the system to inadvertently reveal directory structures and path information through error messages. The vulnerability operates under CWE-200, which classifies it as an information disclosure flaw where sensitive information is exposed to unauthorized actors. The error handling mechanism in the servlet service fails to properly sanitize error messages before they are returned to remote clients, allowing attackers to extract system-specific path information that could be used for further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance data that can facilitate more sophisticated attacks. The disclosed web root path information enables threat actors to understand the application deployment structure and potentially identify additional attack vectors such as directory traversal opportunities or sensitive file locations. This information disclosure can serve as a foundation for privilege escalation attempts, directory traversal attacks, or even remote code execution if combined with other vulnerabilities present in the system. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from outside the network perimeter without requiring local access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) as it provides the reconnaissance information necessary for further exploitation activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5366 require a multi-layered approach focusing on both configuration hardening and application-level protections. Organizations should immediately disable or properly configure the useCanonCaches JVM option to prevent the information disclosure behavior, though this may require careful testing to ensure application functionality is maintained. The application server configuration should be reviewed to implement proper error handling that sanitizes all error messages before transmission to clients, ensuring that no system-specific path information is exposed. Network-level protections including firewall rules and web application firewalls can help reduce the attack surface by limiting access to potentially vulnerable endpoints. Additionally, implementing comprehensive logging and monitoring of error conditions can help detect exploitation attempts and provide early warning of potential attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and error handling in web applications, as well as the need for regular security assessments of third-party components and their configurations. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can identify similar information disclosure patterns in their application environments.