CVE-2002-1793 in VirtualVault
Summary
by MITRE
HTTP Server mod_ssl module running on HP-UX 11.04 with Virtualvault OS (VVOS) 4.5 through 4.6 closes the connection when the Apache server times out during an SSL request, which may allow attackers to cause a denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1793 represents a critical denial of service weakness within the mod_ssl module of Apache HTTP Server when operating on HP-UX 11.04 systems running Virtualvault OS versions 4.5 through 4.6. This issue stems from the improper handling of SSL connections during server timeout conditions, creating a scenario where the server terminates connections in a manner that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where the mod_ssl module is enabled and configured to handle SSL/TLS encrypted communications, making it particularly relevant for web servers that process sensitive data or require secure connections.
The technical flaw manifests when the Apache server encounters a timeout during an SSL request processing phase. During this timeout event, the mod_ssl module fails to properly manage the connection state and instead closes the connection abruptly. This behavior creates a denial of service condition because legitimate users attempting to establish SSL connections may experience connection failures or timeouts. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the protocol level where SSL/TLS handshakes and secure communications are managed, potentially disrupting critical web services that rely on encrypted connections for data protection and authentication purposes.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to perform denial of service attacks against affected systems by simply initiating SSL connections and then allowing them to time out. The attacker does not require any special privileges or authentication credentials to exploit this weakness, making it particularly dangerous in environments where web servers are accessible to unauthenticated users. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as it can affect availability of critical web applications, potentially leading to business continuity issues and loss of customer trust. Systems running vulnerable configurations may experience degraded performance or complete service unavailability, especially under sustained attack conditions.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-400, which categorizes improper handling of resource exhaustion conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1499 category for network denial of service. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying available patches from HP and Apache, configuring proper connection timeouts and keep-alive settings, and monitoring for suspicious connection patterns. Additionally, network segmentation and rate limiting mechanisms can help reduce the effectiveness of potential denial of service attacks while maintaining legitimate service availability. The affected systems should also undergo regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in the broader software ecosystem.
This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper timeout handling in cryptographic protocols and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in security modules can create significant operational risks. The issue underscores the necessity for comprehensive testing of security features under various failure conditions and emphasizes the critical need for maintaining up-to-date security patches across all system components, particularly those handling sensitive communications and encryption protocols.