HTTP Response Splitting Vulnerability in Ruby Package
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2017-17742: Ruby before 2.2.10, 2.3.x before 2.3.7, 2.4.x before 2.4.4, 2.5.x before 2.5.1, and 2.6.0-preview1 allows an HTTP Response Splitting attack. Affects ruby versions < 2.5.1-r0. Fixed in 2.5.1-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
Ruby is a dynamic, open-source programming language known for its simplicity and productivity. It is widely used for web development, particularly with the Ruby on Rails framework. The Ruby package provides essential libraries and tools for building applications. However, certain versions of Ruby are susceptible to an HTTP Response Splitting vulnerability, which can compromise the integrity of web applications using this package.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2017-17742, affects Ruby versions prior to 2.2.10, 2.3.x before 2.3.7, 2.4.x before 2.4.4, 2.5.x before 2.5.1, and 2.6.0-preview1. It allows an attacker to perform an HTTP Response Splitting attack by injecting crafted key-value pairs into HTTP responses generated by the WEBrick HTTP server. This can lead to various security issues, including cache poisoning and cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, potentially compromising user data and application integrity.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.5.1-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade rubyTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If an immediate update is not feasible, consider disabling the WEBrick server or using an alternative HTTP server that is not affected by this vulnerability until the package can be updated.
Conclusion
The HTTP Response Splitting vulnerability in Ruby poses significant risks to web applications. It is crucial for developers to update their Ruby packages to the latest patched versions to mitigate these risks. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and managing vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
CVE-2017-17742 is a vulnerability in Ruby that allows for HTTP Response Splitting attacks, enabling attackers to manipulate HTTP responses.
Affected versions include Ruby before 2.2.10, 2.3.x before 2.3.7, 2.4.x before 2.4.4, 2.5.x before 2.5.1, and 2.6.0-preview1.
The risks include cache poisoning, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other security issues that can compromise user data and application integrity.
You can use the Vulert platform to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without needing to sign up.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.3, indicating a moderate level of severity.
References
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