CVE-2010-1576 in Ace 4710
Summary
by MITRE
The Cisco Content Services Switch (CSS) 11500 with software before 8.20.4.02 and the Application Control Engine (ACE) 4710 with software before A2(3.0) do not properly handle use of LF, CR, and LFCR as alternatives to the standard CRLF sequence between HTTP headers, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended header insertions or conduct HTTP request smuggling attacks via crafted header data, as demonstrated by LF characters preceding ClientCert-Subject and ClientCert-Subject-CN headers, aka Bug ID CSCta04885.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1576 affects Cisco Content Services Switch CSS 11500 and Application Control Engine ACE 4710 devices, representing a critical security flaw in HTTP header processing mechanisms. This issue stems from the improper handling of line ending sequences within HTTP headers, specifically when using Line Feed (LF), Carriage Return (CR), or Line Feed Carriage Return (LFCR) characters as alternatives to the standard CRLF sequence that HTTP protocols typically expect. The vulnerability was documented under Bug ID CSCta04885 and demonstrates how seemingly minor deviations in protocol implementation can create significant security implications for network infrastructure devices.
The technical flaw manifests in the inconsistent interpretation of line ending characters within HTTP header data, where the affected Cisco devices fail to properly normalize or validate these sequences during header processing. When attackers craft HTTP requests containing LF characters preceding headers such as ClientCert-Subject and ClientCert-Subject-CN, the devices process these malformed headers incorrectly, potentially leading to header insertion bypasses or HTTP request smuggling scenarios. This behavior violates the expected HTTP protocol compliance and creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate how headers are interpreted and processed by the affected network appliances.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple protocol violations, as it enables sophisticated attack vectors that can compromise the integrity of HTTP communications passing through these devices. Attackers can exploit the inconsistency in header handling to inject malicious content, manipulate request routing, or potentially bypass security controls that depend on proper header validation. The vulnerability specifically targets the application layer processing capabilities of these network devices, making it particularly dangerous for environments where these appliances serve as critical traffic controllers or security gateways.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper handling of input boundaries, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. The attack surface is particularly concerning for organizations relying on these Cisco appliances for content switching and application control, as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring authentication or specialized privileges. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through software updates to versions 8.20.4.02 for CSS 11500 and A2(3.0) for ACE 4710, while implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper header validation mechanisms and conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure components can help mitigate the risk of similar vulnerabilities in the future.