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 design error in Sun Microsystem's Java System
Active Server Pages allows attackers to bypass administration server
authentication mechanisms.

The vulnerability exists due to improper design of the ASP application
server. The administration application server exists as a stand-alone
service that listens on TCP port 5102. By connecting directly to this
service and making requests, attackers are able to bypass
authentication mechanisms introduce by the administration HTTP server.

III. ANALYSIS

Exploitation allows an attacker to bypass authentication restrictions
imposed by the HTTP server. No authentication is required to
communicate with the affected administration application server. The
attacker only needs to be able to establish a session with the
administration application server on TCP port 5102.

IV. DETECTION

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

V. WORKAROUND

In order to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability, disable
administration server by executing the following command as the 'root'
user.

  # /opt/casp/admtool -e

VI. VENDOR RESPONSE

Sun Microsystems has addressed this vulnerability 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-2008-2406 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

The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous.

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X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright © 2008 iDefense, Inc.

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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.
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