CVE-2019-10092 in Secure Global Desktop
Summary
by MITRE
In Apache HTTP Server 2.4.0-2.4.39, a limited cross-site scripting issue was reported affecting the mod_proxy error page. An attacker could cause the link on the error page to be malformed and instead point to a page of their choice. This would only be exploitable where a server was set up with proxying enabled but was misconfigured in such a way that the Proxy Error page was displayed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10092 affects the Apache HTTP Server version range from 2.4.0 through 2.4.39 and represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the mod_proxy module. This security issue specifically manifests when the server displays proxy error pages, creating a potential attack vector through malformed hyperlink references. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79 which denotes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution. The flaw exists in the server's error handling mechanism when proxy functionality is enabled but improperly configured.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the mod_proxy module's error page generation process. When a proxy request fails and the server displays its default error page, the system fails to properly sanitize or encode the URL parameters that are used to construct the hyperlink references. This allows an attacker to manipulate the error page's content by injecting malicious URLs that would be displayed to users. The vulnerability requires specific preconditions including proxy functionality being enabled on the server and the server being misconfigured in such a way that the proxy error page is actually rendered. This creates a scenario where the error page becomes an attack surface rather than a benign display of server status information.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-10092 extends beyond simple cross-site scripting as it provides attackers with a mechanism to redirect users to malicious websites through carefully crafted proxy requests. This capability enables phishing attacks, malware distribution, and other social engineering campaigns that leverage the trust users place in legitimate server error pages. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where Apache serves as a reverse proxy or gateway for internal services, as it could be exploited to target internal users or systems. The limited scope of exploitation means that the attack requires specific server configurations and misconfigurations to be effective, but this constraint does not eliminate the security risk. Organizations running Apache servers with proxy functionality must consider this vulnerability as part of their overall security posture, especially in complex network environments where proxy configurations are common.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-10092 primarily focus on upgrading to Apache HTTP Server version 2.4.41 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should review and properly configure their proxy settings to minimize the likelihood of error pages being displayed to end users. Implementing proper input validation and output encoding in custom error pages can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be employed to detect unusual proxy traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious content and ensure that proxy error pages do not contain user-controllable elements that could be exploited. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper configuration management and the need for regular security updates in maintaining server security. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their proxy configurations to identify and remediate potential misconfigurations that could expose systems to similar vulnerabilities.