CVE-2009-0274 in GroupWise
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in WebAccess in Novell GroupWise 6.5, 7.0, 7.01, 7.02x, 7.03, 7.03HP1a, and 8.0 might allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a crafted URL, related to conversion of POST requests to GET requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0274 resides within Novell GroupWise WebAccess functionality across multiple versions including 6.5, 7.0, 7.01, 7.02x, 7.03, 7.03HP1a, and 8.0. This issue represents a critical information disclosure flaw that stems from improper handling of HTTP request methods during web application processing. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system converts POST requests to GET requests without adequate validation or sanitization of the request parameters, creating an attack vector that can be exploited by remote threat actors.
The technical flaw exploits a fundamental weakness in the web application's request handling mechanism where sensitive data inadvertently becomes exposed through URL parameters when POST requests are transformed into GET requests. This conversion process fails to properly sanitize or validate the data being transferred, allowing attackers to craft malicious URLs that can reveal confidential information that was originally transmitted via POST requests. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-200, which specifically addresses improper handling of sensitive information in web applications. The flaw essentially creates a pathway where data that should remain within the POST request body becomes accessible through the URL query string, exposing session tokens, user credentials, or other sensitive data elements.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing Novell GroupWise WebAccess services. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information that would normally be protected within the confines of POST request parameters. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects multiple versions of the GroupWise platform, meaning organizations across different deployment scenarios could be vulnerable simultaneously. The exposure of sensitive data through URL parameters can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized access to corporate email systems, potentially resulting in data breaches and compliance violations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and specifically targets the information gathering phase of cyber operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0274 should focus on implementing proper request handling protocols that prevent automatic conversion of POST requests to GET requests without adequate security measures. Organizations should enforce strict input validation and sanitization of all request parameters, particularly when transitioning between HTTP methods. The implementation of web application firewalls and proper URL encoding practices can help prevent the exposure of sensitive data through URL parameters. Additionally, organizations should consider upgrading to patched versions of Novell GroupWise where available, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual URL patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and access controls should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of successful attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining proper HTTP request method handling and underscores the necessity of comprehensive security testing for web applications that process sensitive information.