| GEN:SID | 1:1371 |
| Message | WEB-ATTACKS /etc/motd access |
| Summary | This event is generated when an attempt is made to access the message of the day (motd) via the web
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| Impact | Attempt to gain information about the system on a webserver
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| Detailed Information | This is an attempt to gain intelligence about the system hosting a webserver. The motd is used to display system information on a UNIX or Linux based system. The attacker could possibly gain information needed for other attacks on the host.
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| Affected Systems | |
| Attack Scenarios | The attacker can make a standard HTTP request that contains '/etc/motd' in the URI.
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| Ease of Attack | Simple HTTP request.
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| Corrective Action | Webservers should not be allowed to view or execute files and binaries outside of it's designated web root or cgi-bin. This file may also be requested on a command line should the attacker gain access to the machine. Making the file read only by the superuser on the system will disallow viewing of the file by other users. |
| Additional References | |