CVE-2007-6258 in Mod Jk
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the legacy mod_jk2 2.0.3-DEV and earlier Apache module allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long (1) Host header, or (2) Hostname within a Host header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6258 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the legacy mod_jk2 Apache module version 2.0.3-DEV and earlier. This flaw exists within the module responsible for connecting Apache HTTP Server with application servers such as tomcat through the JK protocol. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing HTTP Host headers, making it particularly dangerous in web server environments where such headers are commonly processed and validated.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper bounds checking in the mod_jk2 module when handling incoming Host headers. Attackers can craft malicious HTTP requests containing excessively long Host header values or Hostname components within Host headers that exceed the allocated buffer space on the stack. This buffer overflow condition occurs because the module does not validate the length of incoming header data before copying it into fixed-size buffers, creating an opportunity for attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory regions.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-6258 is severe and potentially catastrophic for affected systems. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can achieve arbitrary code execution on the vulnerable Apache server, effectively gaining full control over the web server and potentially the underlying application server. This type of attack can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, service disruption, and further lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the Apache web server when mod_jk2 is enabled, making it a critical concern for organizations relying on this module for application server integration.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack data. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in software components to gain remote code execution. Organizations should consider implementing immediate mitigations including upgrading to mod_jk2 version 2.0.4 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for these buffer overflow conditions. Additionally, network-level protections such as input validation at perimeter devices, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits should be implemented to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in server-side components, particularly those handling user-provided HTTP headers that are routinely processed by web servers.