CVE-2010-1452 in HTTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
The (1) mod_cache and (2) mod_dav modules in the Apache HTTP Server 2.2.x before 2.2.16 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (process crash) via a request that lacks a path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1452 affects the Apache HTTP Server version 2.2.x before 2.2.16 and specifically targets two core modules: mod_cache and mod_dav. This issue represents a denial of service condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to crash the server process, effectively rendering the web service unavailable to legitimate users. The flaw manifests when the server receives requests that lack a path component, which is a fundamental element of HTTP requests that typically specifies the resource being requested. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within these modules, which fail to properly handle malformed requests containing no path information. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation as classified by CWE-20, where the software does not properly validate or sanitize input data before processing it. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it can be leveraged by attackers to perform sustained denial of service attacks against Apache servers running the affected versions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the request processing pipeline of the Apache HTTP Server where the mod_cache and mod_dav modules attempt to process requests without proper path validation. When a request arrives without a path component, these modules fail to handle the edge case gracefully and instead proceed with operations that ultimately lead to a segmentation fault or similar critical error that causes the server process to terminate unexpectedly. The flaw demonstrates a classic buffer overread or null pointer dereference scenario where the modules assume the presence of a path component and attempt to access memory locations or perform operations that are invalid when no path is provided. This behavior aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to disrupt services. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through simple HTTP requests that do not require any special authentication or privileges, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1452 extends beyond immediate service disruption to encompass broader security implications for web infrastructure. Organizations running affected Apache versions face the risk of unauthorized service disruption that can result in significant business impact, particularly for high-availability environments where continuous uptime is critical. The vulnerability affects both caching and web dav functionality, which are commonly enabled in production environments, amplifying the potential attack surface. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through simple HTTP requests that bypass normal authentication mechanisms, making detection and prevention more challenging. The flaw also represents a potential vector for reconnaissance activities where attackers might use the vulnerability to identify vulnerable systems within a network before attempting more sophisticated attacks. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where Apache serves as a critical component of web infrastructure, as it can be used to target high-value systems without requiring specialized tools or extensive reconnaissance. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and error handling in server software, as even seemingly benign requests can trigger catastrophic failures when not properly sanitized.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1452 primarily involve upgrading to Apache HTTP Server version 2.2.16 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the path validation issues in mod_cache and mod_dav modules. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malformed requests before they reach the vulnerable server components. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling unnecessary modules like mod_cache and mod_dav if they are not required for specific use cases, thereby reducing the attack surface. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly requests lacking path components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing robust security practices including regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors. Organizations should also consider implementing rate limiting and request validation mechanisms that can help prevent exploitation of similar input validation flaws in other components of their web infrastructure.