Microsoft Runtime Error Page Exposure Scanner

Microsoft Runtime error pages are commonly encountered by developers and system administrators using Microsoft technologies for web applications and services. These error messages are displayed when an application encounters an issue that prevents it from executing as expected, such as improper code execution or resource conflicts. Microsoft Runtime, being part of the broader .NET environment, is integral to running various applications efficiently and securely across networked systems. It is widely used in enterprise environments, especially those utilizing Azure and IIS, to deploy and manage web applications with robust back-end support. System administrators must frequently handle these error pages to ensure applications run smoothly and users have a seamless experience. Understanding and managing these error messages can significantly contribute to maintaining application reliability and performance.

The presence of a Microsoft Runtime error indicates that certain application errors are being exposed to users or potential attackers. This type of error page provides diagnostic information that can be valuable for debugging but could also inadvertently expose application structure and detail. Such exposure can be leveraged by attackers to identify potential weaknesses or further exploit vulnerabilities within the application. Ensuring these error pages are handled correctly is vital to maintaining security. Ideally, applications should be configured to provide generic error messages to external users while logging detailed information internally. This detection scanner identifies instances of these runtime error pages being publicly accessible.

Technically, the scanner targets pages that return a specific runtime error title within the HTTP response body. The vulnerability is confirmed by detecting the combination of a specific "Runtime Error" title tag and HTTP status codes like 500 or 404 that are typically associated with runtime issues. By identifying these markers, the scanner recognizes when an application is revealing internal error messages. It may also track logs or diagnostic information displayed through these pages, which could be exploited if they reach unauthorized audiences. Being part of detection, it provides actionable insights but does not alter the application or resolve the errors.

If a runtime error page is improperly exposed, it could lead to several negative effects, such as attackers gaining insights into application logic, potential resource leaks, or unintended disclosure of technical details. This exposure might assist in planning subsequent attacks by revealing server info, stack traces, or sensitive data paths. Consequently, this could culminate in more serious security incidents like data breaches, unauthorized access, or misuse of application functionality. Handling these errors internally reduces the risk of exploitable information being publicized.

REFERENCES

• https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/aspnet/whitepapers/howtos