CVE-2010-0386 in Java System Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of Sun Java System Application Server 7 and 7 2004Q2 enables the HTTP TRACE method, which makes it easier for remote attackers to steal cookies and authentication credentials via a cross-site tracing (XST) attack, a related issue to CVE-2004-2763 and CVE-2005-3398.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0386 pertains to the Sun Java System Application Server version 7 and its 2004Q2 release, where the default configuration inadvertently permits the HTTP TRACE method to remain enabled. This seemingly minor configuration oversight creates a significant security risk that can be exploited by malicious actors to compromise user authentication credentials and sensitive session data. The HTTP TRACE method, when enabled, allows remote attackers to execute cross-site tracing attacks that can facilitate cookie theft and authentication credential interception. This vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the server's security posture and aligns with the CWE-1004 weakness category, which specifically addresses security-relevant defaults that are not properly configured to prevent exploitation.
The technical flaw stems from the server's default security configuration that fails to disable the HTTP TRACE method, which is inherently dangerous when exposed to untrusted clients. The TRACE method can be exploited through cross-site tracing techniques where an attacker crafts malicious requests that leverage the TRACE method to capture HTTP headers and potentially extract authentication tokens or session cookies from the server response. This vulnerability operates under the same attack patterns as CVE-2004-2763 and CVE-2005-3398, which also addressed similar HTTP TRACE method exploitation vectors. The security implications are particularly severe because the TRACE method can be used to bypass certain security mechanisms and can be combined with other attack vectors to amplify the impact of credential theft.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates opportunities for attackers to conduct session hijacking attacks and perform more sophisticated credential theft operations. When the HTTP TRACE method is enabled, it allows attackers to potentially capture sensitive information that flows through the HTTP protocol, including authentication headers that contain session tokens or other credentials. This makes the application server particularly vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks and session fixation scenarios, where attackers can intercept and reuse valid session identifiers. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential access through phishing and other social engineering methods, as the compromised session tokens can be used to gain unauthorized access to user accounts.
Organizations using affected versions of Sun Java System Application Server should immediately disable the HTTP TRACE method through proper server configuration settings to prevent exploitation. The recommended mitigation involves modifying the server's HTTP configuration to explicitly disable the TRACE method, which can typically be accomplished through the server's administrative console or configuration files. Security administrators should also implement network-level controls to prevent TRACE method usage and consider implementing additional security headers such as X-Frame-Options and Content Security Policy to further protect against cross-site scripting and similar attacks. Regular security audits and configuration reviews should be conducted to ensure that security-relevant defaults remain properly configured and that no new vulnerabilities are introduced through changes to the server configuration or application deployment.