Remote Code Execution in Apache HTTP Server
A critical vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems through crafted HTTP requests.
Description
This vulnerability exists in Apache HTTP Server versions 2.4.55 and earlier. An attacker can exploit this flaw by sending a specially crafted HTTP request to the server, which can lead to remote code execution with the privileges of the web server process.
The vulnerability is caused by improper input validation in the request parsing mechanism, allowing an attacker to inject malicious code that gets executed on the server. This affects all default configurations and does not require authentication.
Affected Products & Versions
- Apache HTTP Server 2.4.55 and earlier
- Apache HTTP Server 2.4.54 and earlier
- All versions in the 2.4.x branch prior to 2.4.56
Impact Assessment
Confidentiality Impact
Complete
All data accessible to the web server can be compromised
Integrity Impact
Complete
Attackers can modify any data or files on the system
Availability Impact
Complete
Service can be completely shut down or disrupted
Overall Impact
This vulnerability has a critical impact on affected systems. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data theft, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within the network. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation.
Remediation
Recommended Actions
- Immediate Update: Upgrade to Apache HTTP Server version 2.4.56 or later immediately. This version contains the security patch that addresses this vulnerability.
- Verify Installation: After updating, verify that the new version is running correctly and that all services are functioning as expected.
- Review Access Logs: Check server access logs for any suspicious activity or attempted exploitation attempts prior to the update.
- Network Segmentation: If immediate patching is not possible, isolate affected systems from critical network segments until patches can be applied.
- Monitor for Indicators: Implement monitoring for indicators of compromise (IOCs) and review system logs for any signs of exploitation.
Temporary Workaround
While not a permanent solution, you can temporarily mitigate the risk by:
- Restricting access to the web server using firewall rules
- Implementing rate limiting to prevent automated exploitation attempts
- Deploying a web application firewall (WAF) in front of the server
Note: These workarounds do not eliminate the vulnerability and should only be used until a proper patch can be applied.
Additional Resources
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