HTTP Request Smuggling Vulnerability in Squid Package
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2023-46846: SQUID is vulnerable to HTTP request smuggling, caused by chunked decoder lenience, allows a remote attacker to perform Request/Response smuggling past firewall and frontend security systems. Affects squid versions < 6.4-r0. Fixed in 6.4-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
Squid is a widely used caching and forwarding HTTP web proxy that supports various protocols and is designed to improve web performance and security. It allows users to cache web content, manage bandwidth, and enhance privacy. However, recent vulnerabilities have highlighted its susceptibility to HTTP request smuggling attacks, which can compromise the integrity of web communications.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as ALPINE-CVE-2023-46846 arises from lenience in the chunked decoder of Squid, which can be exploited by remote attackers to perform HTTP request smuggling. This attack allows malicious actors to bypass firewall and frontend security systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data or manipulation of web traffic. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Squid across different Alpine Linux releases, making it critical for users to address it promptly.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
6.4-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade squidTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary measure, users can implement stricter validation of HTTP requests at the firewall level to mitigate the risk of request smuggling attacks. However, the best course of action is to apply the patch as soon as possible.
Conclusion
The HTTP request smuggling vulnerability in the Squid package poses significant risks to web security. Users are strongly advised to update to the patched version 6.4-r0 to mitigate these risks effectively. Regular monitoring and proactive security measures are essential to safeguard against such vulnerabilities.
See every vulnerability recorded for squid →
FAQ
HTTP request smuggling is a technique used by attackers to send malicious requests that can bypass security measures, allowing them to manipulate or intercept web traffic.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, manipulation of web traffic, and potential breaches of security protocols.
Yes, the CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.3, indicating a moderate level of risk.
If immediate updates are not possible, consider implementing stricter request validation at your firewall as a temporary workaround until you can apply the patch.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for squid.
