Apache HTTP Server Hit by Triple Vulnerabilities – Users Urged to Update
Security researchers have uncovered three vulnerabilities in the widely used Apache HTTP Server, prompting an urgent call for users to update their installations. The flaws, tracked as CVE-2023-38709, CVE-2024-27316, and CVE-2024-24795, open the door for potential attacks ranging from website content alterations to denial-of-service (DoS) scenarios.
The Vulnerabilities in Detail
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CVE-2023-38709: HTTP Response Splitting This vulnerability stems from improper input validation. Successful exploitation allows attackers to inject malicious code into HTTP responses served from an Apache server. This could be used to manipulate website content, redirect users to phishing sites, or launch cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.
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CVE-2024-27316: HTTP/2 DoS by Memory Exhaustion This vulnerability relates to the server’s handling of HTTP/2 headers. By sending a flood of excessively large headers, attackers could exhaust a server’s memory, causing it to crash and disrupting website availability.
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CVE-2024-24795: HTTP Response Splitting in Multiple Modules Similar to the first vulnerability, this flaw centers around HTTP response splitting across various Apache modules. Attackers leveraging this issue could potentially inject malicious headers and destabilize the connection between the server and users’ browsers.
Impact and Recommendations
The Apache HTTP Server is a cornerstone of web infrastructure, powering millions of websites worldwide. Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could lead to significant disruptions, sensitive data theft, or reputational damage for affected organizations.
Apache has released version 2.4.59, which patches all three vulnerabilities. Users are strongly advised to upgrade as soon as possible.
