CVE-2010-2952 in Traffic Server
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Traffic Server before 2.0.1, and 2.1.x before 2.1.2-unstable, does not properly choose DNS source ports and transaction IDs, and does not properly use DNS query fields to validate responses, which makes it easier for man-in-the-middle attackers to poison the internal DNS cache via a crafted response.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2018
Apache Traffic Server vulnerability CVE-2010-2952 represents a critical flaw in the software's DNS resolution mechanism that fundamentally undermines network security through improper implementation of DNS query handling. This vulnerability exists in Apache Traffic Server versions prior to 2.0.1 and 2.1.2-unstable, where the system fails to properly randomize DNS source ports and transaction IDs during query transmission. The flaw stems from predictable sequence numbers and port selection that make it significantly easier for attackers to craft malicious DNS responses that can successfully poison the internal DNS cache.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the absence of proper entropy in DNS source port selection and transaction ID generation, creating predictable patterns that adversaries can exploit. According to CWE-330, this represents an insufficient entropy weakness in cryptographic systems, where predictable values reduce the effectiveness of security mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the DNS cache poisoning attack vector, which allows attackers to manipulate DNS resolution results by injecting false responses into the cache.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2952 extends beyond simple cache poisoning, as it enables attackers to redirect traffic to malicious destinations by compromising the internal DNS resolution process. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol: DNS, where adversaries manipulate DNS responses to achieve their objectives. When successful, the attack can redirect users to phishing sites, malware distribution points, or other malicious resources while maintaining the appearance of legitimate network traffic.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Apache Traffic Server installations to versions 2.0.1 or 2.1.2-unstable and later. Organizations should also implement DNS security measures including DNSSEC validation and proper network segmentation to limit the impact of potential DNS cache poisoning attempts. Additionally, monitoring for unusual DNS traffic patterns and implementing proper source port randomization at the network level can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper entropy implementation in network security protocols, as highlighted in industry standards that emphasize the need for unpredictable values in cryptographic and security-sensitive operations.