CVE-2017-7683 in OpenMeetings
Summary
by MITRE
Apache OpenMeetings 1.0.0 displays Tomcat version and detailed error stack trace, which is not secure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2019
Apache OpenMeetings version 1.0.0 contains a critical information disclosure vulnerability that exposes sensitive system details to unauthorized users. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category, which addresses the improper exposure of sensitive information. The flaw manifests when the application encounters an error condition and responds by displaying the underlying Tomcat server version along with detailed error stack traces to end users. This behavior represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with valuable information about the backend infrastructure and potentially exploitable system components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling mechanisms within the Apache OpenMeetings application framework. When processing user requests or encountering system failures, the application fails to sanitize error responses before presenting them to clients. This insecure coding practice allows the system to leak information about the underlying servlet container, specifically revealing the Tomcat version number, which can be used to identify known vulnerabilities specific to that version. Additionally, the detailed stack traces provide attackers with insights into the application's internal structure, code paths, and potential attack vectors that could be leveraged for further exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it significantly weakens the overall security posture of systems running Apache OpenMeetings 1.0.0. Attackers can use the disclosed Tomcat version to research specific vulnerabilities and exploits that may be available for that version, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system compromise. The stack trace information can reveal database connection details, file paths, and application logic that would otherwise remain hidden from external observers. This information disclosure creates a foundation for more sophisticated attacks and reduces the attack surface by providing attackers with the knowledge needed to target specific components within the system.
Organizations utilizing Apache OpenMeetings 1.0.0 should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves configuring the application to suppress detailed error messages and stack traces from being displayed to end users. This can be achieved through proper error handling configuration within the application framework and ensuring that all error responses are sanitized before presentation. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can filter out potentially malicious requests and monitor for patterns associated with error exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar information disclosure vulnerabilities throughout the application stack. The mitigation strategy should align with ATT&CK framework techniques related to defense evasion and credential access, as this vulnerability directly enables adversaries to bypass security controls and gain deeper access to the system infrastructure.