Apache2 - HTTP Request Smuggling and API Design Error Vulnerabilities
Summary
DSA-3325-1: apache2 - security update. Affects apache2 versions < 2.2.22-13+deb7u5. Fixed in 2.2.22-13+deb7u5. How to fix ↓
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Background
Apache2 is a widely used open-source web server software that provides a secure and efficient platform for hosting websites. It offers various features and modules to handle HTTP requests and serve web content. However, certain versions of Apache2 are vulnerable to two critical security issues: HTTP request smuggling and an API design error.
Vulnerability Detail
The first vulnerability, identified as CVE-2015-3183, allows an attacker to perform an HTTP request smuggling attack by exploiting a bug in the parsing of chunked requests. By manipulating the request length, a malicious client can trick the server into misinterpreting the request, potentially leading to cache poisoning or credential hijacking if an intermediary proxy is in use.
The second vulnerability, known as CVE-2015-3185, stems from a design error in the ap_some_auth_required function in Apache2 2.4.x. This flaw renders the API unusable and can result in modules allowing access when they should not. The fix for this issue backports the new ap_some_authn_required API from version 2.4.16.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.2.22-13+deb7u5
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade apache2Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Conclusion
The Apache2 web server software is susceptible to two critical vulnerabilities: HTTP request smuggling and an API design error. These vulnerabilities can lead to cache poisoning, credential hijacking, and unauthorized access. To mitigate the risks, it is crucial to update the Apache2 package to the fixed versions mentioned in the 'how_to_fix' section. For further assistance or support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for apache2 →
FAQ
An HTTP request smuggling attack is a technique where an attacker manipulates the HTTP request to deceive the server or intermediary proxies. By exploiting vulnerabilities in request parsing, the attacker can bypass security measures, poison caches, or hijack credentials.
The API design error in Apache2 2.4.x allows modules to grant access when they should not. An attacker can potentially exploit this flaw by leveraging modules that incorrectly utilize the ap_some_auth_required function, thereby bypassing intended access restrictions.
No, only certain versions of Apache2 are affected. The vulnerability CVE-2015-3183 affects all versions up to the fixed version mentioned in the 'how_to_fix' section. The vulnerability CVE-2015-3185 affects Apache2 2.4.x versions specifically.
The HTTP request smuggling vulnerability (CVE-2015-3183) can lead to cache poisoning or credential hijacking if an intermediary proxy is in use. The API design error vulnerability (CVE-2015-3185) can result in modules allowing access when they should not, potentially compromising the security of the web server and the hosted applications.
No specific workaround is mentioned in the vulnerability details. It is recommended to apply the provided fixes by upgrading the Apache2 package to the fixed versions.
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