CVE-2024-38475 is classified as a critical vulnerability with a CVSS score of 9.1. This vulnerability allows improper escaping of output in mod_rewrite in Apache HTTP Server versions 2.4.59 and earlier. The flaw can lead to severe security risks, including code execution or source code disclosure, as attackers may exploit it to map URLs to unintended filesystem locations that the server is authorized to serve. Given its potential impact, this vulnerability is particularly concerning, especially for organizations deploying Apache HTTP Server.
The urgency for defenders is critical; organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The exploitation status is confirmed, with known exploits available, indicating that attackers may already be leveraging this vulnerability. As such, the risk to organizations includes unauthorized access and potential data breaches, making immediate remediation essential.
In the context of this vulnerability, the attack vector is defined as network-based, with low complexity and no privileges required for exploitation, meaning attackers can exploit it without any special access. Additionally, there is no user interaction required, further increasing the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Organizations using affected versions of Apache HTTP Server, NetApp ONTAP 9, and SonicWall SMA firmware should be vigilant and take necessary actions to secure their systems against this threat.
The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on July 1, 2024, and is classified under CWE-116, which denotes improper encoding or escaping of output. Organizations are encouraged to stay informed regarding this vulnerability and implement the necessary patches as soon as they become available.
The urgency for patching this vulnerability cannot be overstated, as its exploitation could lead to severe consequences for organizations relying on affected systems.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2024-38475 states that improper escaping of output in mod_rewrite in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.59 and earlier allows an attacker to map URLs to filesystem locations that are permitted to be served by the server but are not intentionally or directly reachable by any URL. This results in code execution or source code disclosure.
The vulnerability specifically affects substitutions in server context that use backreferences or variables as the first segment of the substitution. Some unsafe RewriteRules may be broken by this change, and the rewrite flag "UnsafePrefixStat" can be used to opt back in once ensuring the substitution is appropriately constrained.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability arises from the improper handling of output escaping in the mod_rewrite module of the Apache HTTP Server. This flaw can be exploited by attackers to map URLs to unintended filesystem locations, allowing them to access sensitive files and potentially execute arbitrary code.
The attack vector is network-based, requiring no privileges and no user interaction, making it easier for attackers to exploit this vulnerability. The confidentiality and integrity impacts are high, as unauthorized access to sensitive information may occur, while availability impacts are negligible.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2024-38475 is significant, particularly for organizations that depend on Apache HTTP Server for their web services. The blast radius potential is extensive, as this vulnerability can affect multiple systems if exploited. Organizations should consider the implications of a successful attack, which could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data and compromise the integrity of their web applications.
Given the critical severity of this vulnerability, organizations must act quickly to mitigate risks. The urgency assessment based on the CVSS score and the known exploitation status indicates that patching should be treated as a top priority.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions include Apache HTTP Server 2.4.59 and earlier versions, as well as NetApp ONTAP 9 and various SonicWall SMA firmware versions. Organizations should ensure they are using patched versions to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest patches provided by vendors to remediate CVE-2024-38475. For Apache HTTP Server, ensure that upgrades to versions 2.4.60 or later are performed. It is also advisable to review any RewriteRules to ensure they are appropriately constrained. For additional security, organizations can refer to the detailed guidance on penetration testing and implement necessary configurations to harden their systems against potential exploitation.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for any unusual URL mappings or access to sensitive files that shouldn't be reachable via public URLs. Behavioral anomalies within the web server's access patterns may also indicate an attempted exploitation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2024-38475 lies in its demonstration of how critical components of web server technology can harbor vulnerabilities that lead to serious security breaches. This vulnerability represents a pattern of misconfigurations and oversights that can be exploited in various ways. Security teams should take the lessons from this incident to strengthen their defenses against similar vulnerabilities.
For organizations utilizing Apache HTTP Server, being aware of the potential for such vulnerabilities is crucial for maintaining the integrity of their web applications. Regular audits, coupled with thorough penetration testing methodologies, can help in identifying weaknesses before they are exploited.
Moreover, organizations should continuously evaluate their security posture and adopt proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with vulnerabilities like this one. For further reading on vulnerability management, consider exploring the vulnerability management program design to maintain a robust security framework.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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