iDefense Security Advisory 06.03.08
http://labs.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/
Jun 03, 2008

I. BACKGROUND

Sun Java System Active Server Pages is a multi-platform ASP application
server. It provides provides ASP (Active Server Pages) functionality to
a web server. More information is available at the following URL.

http://www.sun.com/software/chilisoft/index.xml

II. DESCRIPTION

Remote exploitation of multiple command injection vulnerabilities in Sun
Microsystem's Java System Active Server Pages allows attackers to
execute arbitrary code with root privileges.

These vulnerabilities exist within several ASP applications that execute
shell commands. The problem lies in the fact that these applications do
not filter or escape the parameters passed to these commands. By
inserting shell meta-characters into an HTTP request, an attacker is
able to execute arbitrary shell commands.

III. ANALYSIS

Exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary shell commands with
elevated privileges. Since this server runs with root privileges, an
attacker could gain complete control of the affected the system.

Note that authentication is required to reach these ASP applications via
the administration server on TCP port 5100. However, several methods of
bypassing and circumventing authentication have been discovered,
rendering that requirement irrelevant.

IV. DETECTION

iDefense has confirmed the existence of these vulnerabilities within
version 4.0.2 of Sun Microsystems Inc.'s Java System Active Server
Pages. Older versions are suspected to be vulnerable.

V. WORKAROUND

Removing the affected ASP applications from the system can prevent
exploitation of these vulnerabilities.

Additionally, using firewalls to limit access to the administration
server (TCP port 5100) and the ASP application server (TCP port 5102)
can help mitigate these issues.

VI. VENDOR RESPONSE

Sun Microsystems has addressed these vulnerabilities with the release of
version 4.0.3 of Sun Java System Active Server Pages. For more
information, refer to Sun Alert 238184 at the following URL.

http://sunsolve.sun.com/search/document.do?assetkey=1-66-238184-1

VII. CVE INFORMATION

The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CVE-2008-2405 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in
the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org/), which standardizes names for
security problems.

VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE

05/11/2007  Initial vendor notification
05/11/2007  Initial vendor response
06/03/2008  Coordinated public disclosure

IX. CREDIT

One of these vulnerabilities was reported to iDefense by an anonymous
researcher. Further research by Joshua J. Drake (iDefense Labs)
uncovered an additional vulnerability.

Get paid for vulnerability research
http://labs.idefense.com/methodology/vulnerability/vcp.php

Free tools, research and upcoming events
http://labs.idefense.com/

X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright © 2008 iDefense, Inc.

Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert
electronically. It may not be edited in any way without the express
written consent of iDefense. If you wish to reprint the whole or any
part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically,
please e-mail customerservice@idefense.com for permission.

Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate
at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use
of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition.
 There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the
author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct,
indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or
reliance on, this information.