CVE-2014-0226 in MacOS X
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in the mod_status module in the Apache HTTP Server before 2.4.10 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer overflow), or possibly obtain sensitive credential information or execute arbitrary code, via a crafted request that triggers improper scoreboard handling within the status_handler function in modules/generators/mod_status.c and the lua_ap_scoreboard_worker function in modules/lua/lua_request.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0226 represents a critical race condition affecting the mod_status module in Apache HTTP Server versions prior to 2.4.10. This flaw resides within the server's scoreboard handling mechanism, which is responsible for tracking worker processes and their status information. The vulnerability manifests when multiple concurrent requests attempt to access the status handler function simultaneously, creating a timing window where memory management becomes inconsistent. The underlying issue stems from improper synchronization mechanisms during the processing of status information, allowing malicious actors to exploit this temporal inconsistency for nefarious purposes. The race condition specifically impacts the status_handler function located in modules/generators/mod_status.c and the lua_ap_scoreboard_worker function within modules/lua/lua_request.c, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Lua scripting capabilities are enabled.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages heap-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when the server attempts to manage memory structures containing worker process information. When crafted requests are sent in rapid succession to the status endpoint, the server's internal scoreboard data structures become corrupted due to concurrent access without proper locking mechanisms. This memory corruption can result in unpredictable behavior ranging from denial of service conditions where the server crashes or becomes unresponsive, to more severe consequences including potential credential exposure and arbitrary code execution. The heap overflow occurs because the server fails to properly validate or sanitize the input data during concurrent scoreboard updates, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious payloads. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it can be triggered remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web servers.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0226 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it represents a potential gateway for more sophisticated attacks within network infrastructures. Organizations running affected Apache versions face significant risks including complete service outages that can affect business operations and customer access to web applications. The possibility of credential exposure creates additional security concerns where attackers might gain access to sensitive information stored in memory segments that are improperly managed during concurrent access scenarios. Furthermore, the arbitrary code execution capability transforms this vulnerability from a denial of service issue into a full compromise vector, allowing attackers to establish persistent access to affected systems. The vulnerability affects the fundamental process management capabilities of Apache, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges or deploy additional malicious tools within the compromised environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0226 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to Apache HTTP Server 2.4.10 or later, which contain the necessary patches addressing the race condition in scoreboard handling. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as rate limiting and access controls to minimize exposure to malicious requests targeting the status endpoint. Disabling the mod_status module when not required provides an additional layer of defense, as the vulnerability specifically affects components within this module's functionality. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of requests to status endpoints, which may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which describes race conditions in software systems, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for denial of service attacks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential race conditions within the web server configuration and ensure comprehensive protection against similar threats that may exist in the broader Apache ecosystem.