Django Vulnerability CVE-2014-1418: Inadequate Header Inclusion Leading to Cache Poisoning
Summary
CVE-2014-1418: Django 1.4 before 1.4.13, 1.5 before 1.5.8, 1.6 before 1.6.5, and 1.7 before 1.7b4 does not properly include the (1) Vary: Cookie or (2) Cache-Control header in responses, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitiv... Affects python-django versions < 1.6.5-1. Fixed in 1.6.5-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
Django is a high-level Python web framework that encourages rapid development and clean, pragmatic design. It provides a robust set of features for building web applications, including an ORM, authentication, and an admin interface. However, certain versions of Django (1.4 to 1.7b4) have a vulnerability that affects how HTTP headers are included in responses, potentially exposing sensitive information and allowing cache poisoning.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1418 arises from Django's failure to properly include the 'Vary: Cookie' and 'Cache-Control' headers in HTTP responses. This oversight can lead to remote attackers exploiting specific browser behaviors to obtain sensitive information or manipulate cached responses. The affected versions are Django 1.4 before 1.4.13, 1.5 before 1.5.8, 1.6 before 1.6.5, and 1.7 before 1.7b4. The lack of proper header management can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of web applications using these versions.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1.6.5-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade python-djangoTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If upgrading is not immediately feasible, consider implementing a reverse proxy or web server configuration that adds the necessary headers manually. For example, in an Nginx configuration, you can add the following lines:
add_header Vary 'Cookie';
add_header Cache-Control 'no-store';
This will help mitigate the risk until a proper upgrade can be performed.
Conclusion
CVE-2014-1418 is a significant vulnerability in certain versions of Django that can lead to serious security risks. It is crucial for developers to upgrade to the latest versions to ensure the integrity and security of their applications. Temporary workarounds can be implemented, but a permanent fix through upgrading is recommended.
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FAQ
Django versions 1.4 before 1.4.13, 1.5 before 1.5.8, 1.6 before 1.6.5, and 1.7 before 1.7b4 are affected.
The vulnerability can lead to sensitive information disclosure and cache poisoning, which may compromise the integrity of web applications.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
Yes, you can manually add the necessary HTTP headers using a reverse proxy or web server configuration as a temporary workaround.
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