CVE-2024-38473 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Apache HTTP Server versions 2.4.59 and earlier. This vulnerability allows request URLs with incorrect encoding to be sent to backend services, potentially bypassing authentication via crafted requests. The CVSS score is 8.1, indicating a significant risk to organizations. With the exploitability status marked as high, there is an urgent need for remediation.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The recommended version to upgrade to is 2.4.60, which resolves this issue. Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information and critical backend services.
The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on July 1, 2024, and impacts both Apache and NetApp products, specifically the http_server and ontap components. Users are strongly advised to implement the necessary updates to mitigate potential risks.
Given the high profile of this vulnerability, organizations utilizing affected versions of Apache HTTP Server should evaluate their exposure and implement protective measures swiftly.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2024-38473 indicates an encoding problem in mod_proxy that allows request URLs with incorrect encoding to be sent to backend services. This may lead to authentication bypass through crafted requests. Users are advised to upgrade to version 2.4.60 to resolve this issue.
The vulnerability falls under the CWE classification of CWE-116: Improper Encoding or Escaping of Output. The attack vector is classified as NETWORK, with low attack complexity and low privileges required for exploitation.
The impacts include a high confidentiality impact and a high availability impact, while integrity impact remains none. This emphasizes the necessity for organizations to address this vulnerability promptly and effectively.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the encoding issue within the mod_proxy module of Apache HTTP Server. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability by crafting specific requests that exploit improper handling of URL encoding.
The attack vector is network-based, allowing remote attackers to exploit the vulnerability without requiring physical access. The attack complexity is considered low, as attackers do not need specialized conditions to execute the exploitation.
Privileges required to exploit this vulnerability are low, as users only need to have the ability to send a crafted request. User interaction is not required, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous.
The confidentiality impact is high, meaning sensitive data may be exposed, while integrity impact is none and availability impact is high, indicating potential service disruptions.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to backend services and sensitive data exposure due to the encoding problem in mod_proxy. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper encoding practices in web applications.
The potential blast radius is significant, as many organizations utilize Apache HTTP Server for public-facing applications. Exploitation could compromise large volumes of data and result in severe reputational damage.
Given the CVSS score of 8.1, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. Prompt remediation is vital to ensure that backend services remain secure and operational.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions include Apache HTTP Server 2.4.59 and earlier. Users should upgrade to version 2.4.60 to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should upgrade to Apache HTTP Server version 2.4.60. If an immediate upgrade is not possible, implementing strict input validation and URL encoding practices can help mitigate risks.
Additionally, organizations may consider performing regular security assessments, including penetration testing, to identify and address similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor for unusual request patterns and log indicators of malformed URLs. Behavioral anomalies in traffic directed to backend services may also indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2024-38473 lies in the ongoing challenges of input validation and encoding practices in web applications. This vulnerability highlights the need for continuous security awareness and proactive measures to prevent such issues from reoccurring.
Organizations should consider learning from this incident to strengthen their application security frameworks. Regular training and awareness programs can equip teams with the knowledge to implement secure coding practices effectively.
For further guidance on strengthening security practices, organizations can refer to the following resources:
For comprehensive security assessments, organizations may explore application security assessments and consider adopting a continuous penetration testing approach for ongoing security validation.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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