CVE-2021-20101 in Machform
Summary
by MITRE • 06/30/2021
Machform prior to version 16 is vulnerable to HTTP host header injection due to improperly validated host headers. This could cause a victim to receive malformed content.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-20101 affects Machform versions prior to 16, presenting a critical security risk through HTTP host header injection. This flaw stems from inadequate validation of host headers within the application's request processing mechanism, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate HTTP request routing and content delivery. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and represents a significant weakness in the web application's input sanitization processes.
Host header injection occurs when an application fails to properly validate or sanitize the Host header sent by clients in HTTP requests. In Machform's case, the application's insufficient validation allows attackers to inject malicious host headers that can alter the application's behavior, potentially redirecting users to malicious sites or causing the application to generate malformed responses. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited to perform various attack vectors including open redirect attacks, cross-site scripting scenarios, and session manipulation. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices that align with CWE-20, which covers "Improper Input Validation" in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple content manipulation, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks that compromise user trust and application integrity. When victims receive malformed content due to the host header injection, it can lead to confusion, potential phishing opportunities, and erosion of user confidence in the application's security. Attackers can exploit this weakness to create misleading content, redirect users to malicious domains, or manipulate application behavior in ways that compromise the intended functionality. The vulnerability essentially allows unauthorized manipulation of the application's response handling, creating a pathway for various security breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-20101 should focus on implementing robust input validation for HTTP headers, specifically the Host header field. Organizations should upgrade to Machform version 16 or later, which includes proper host header validation mechanisms. Additionally, implementing proper header sanitization, using secure coding practices for HTTP request handling, and establishing strict validation rules for all incoming headers can prevent similar vulnerabilities. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and proper HTTP header configuration can also provide additional defense layers. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that host headers are properly validated and that no malicious content can be injected through this vector, aligning with best practices from the ATT&CK framework's application layer attack patterns that emphasize input validation and header sanitization techniques.