CVE-2009-4844 in VirtualIQ
Summary
by MITRE
ToutVirtual VirtualIQ Pro 3.2 build 7882 does not restrict access to the /status URI on port 9080, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive Tomcat information via a direct request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4844 affects ToutVirtual VirtualIQ Pro version 3.2 build 7882, presenting a critical access control flaw that exposes sensitive system information through an improperly secured endpoint. This issue manifests through the /status URI on port 9080, which lacks proper authentication mechanisms and access restrictions. The vulnerability represents a classic example of insufficient authorization controls that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to system information.
The technical flaw resides in the application's web server configuration where the /status URI endpoint is accessible without proper authentication checks. This endpoint typically provides detailed information about the underlying Tomcat server including version details, running processes, system resources, and potentially other sensitive operational data. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems. When an attacker can directly access this URI without authentication, they effectively bypass the application's security controls and gain visibility into the internal server state.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that can be used for further exploitation. The exposed Tomcat information includes server version details, which can help attackers identify known vulnerabilities specific to that version, and process information that may reveal system architecture and resource usage patterns. This information disclosure can enable more sophisticated attacks such as version-specific exploitation or targeted attacks against known vulnerabilities in the Tomcat server components. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers discovering file and directory permissions, and T1069, which involves privilege and permissions enumeration.
Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by simply sending a direct HTTP request to the /status URI endpoint on port 9080, requiring no authentication credentials or complex attack vectors. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with network access to the affected system. The exposure of Tomcat-specific information creates a significant risk for organizations as it provides attackers with the exact server implementation details needed for targeted exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's security configuration where default settings or misconfigurations have left sensitive endpoints accessible to unauthorized users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms for all web endpoints. Organizations should immediately restrict access to the /status URI through firewall rules, web server configuration changes, or application-level authentication controls. The recommended approach involves implementing authentication requirements for the status endpoint and ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive system information. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar access control issues across all application components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and proper configuration management to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system information.