Apache HTTP Server up to 2.0.45 mod_dav memory corruption

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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Current Exploit Price (≈)
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CTI Interest Score
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5.4$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability labeled as very critical has been found in Apache HTTP Server up to 2.0.45. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the component mod_dav. Such manipulation leads to memory corruption. This vulnerability is referenced as CVE-2003-0189. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. No exploit is available. The affected component should be upgraded.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Apache HTTP Server up to 2.0.45 (Web Server). It has been rated as critical. Affected by this issue is an unknown part of the component mod_dav. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a memory corruption vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to CWE-119. The product performs operations on a memory buffer, but it can read from or write to a memory location that is outside of the intended boundary of the buffer. Impacted is confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:

The authentication module for Apache 2.0.40 through 2.0.45 on Unix does not properly handle threads safely when using the crypt_r or crypt functions, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (failed Basic authentication with valid usernames and passwords) when a threaded MPM is used.

The weakness was published 05/28/2003 by David Endler and John Hughes (Website). The advisory is shared for download at apache.org. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2003-0189 since 04/01/2003. The attack may be launched remotely. No form of authentication is required for exploitation. There are neither technical details nor an exploit publicly available.

As 0-day the estimated underground price was around $25k-$100k. The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 14046 (Mandrake Linux Security Advisory : apache2 (MDKSA-2003:063-1)), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment. It is assigned to the family Mandriva Local Security Checks and running in the context l. The commercial vulnerability scanner Qualys is able to test this issue with plugin 86532 (Apache Basic Authentication Module Valid User Login Denial of Service Vulnerability).

Upgrading eliminates this vulnerability. Applying a patch is able to eliminate this problem. The bugfix is ready for download at httpd.apache.org. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version. A possible mitigation has been published 5 days after the disclosure of the vulnerability.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at X-Force (12091), Tenable (14046), SecurityFocus (BID 7725†), OSVDB (9714†) and Secunia (SA8881†). Similar entries are available at VDB-31, VDB-81, VDB-570 and VDB-841. VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

Productinfo

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Support

  • end of life (old version)

Website

CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 5.6
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 5.4

VulDB Base Score: 5.6
VulDB Temp Score: 5.4
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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VectorComplexityAuthenticationConfidentialityIntegrityAvailability
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VulDB Base Score: 🔍
VulDB Temp Score: 🔍
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NVD Base Score: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Memory corruption
CWE: CWE-119
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍

Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes

Availability: 🔍
Status: Not defined

EPSS Score: 🔍
EPSS Percentile: 🔍

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍

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Nessus ID: 14046
Nessus Name: Mandrake Linux Security Advisory : apache2 (MDKSA-2003:063-1)
Nessus File: 🔍
Nessus Risk: 🔍
Nessus Family: 🔍
Nessus Context: 🔍
Nessus Port: 🔍

Qualys ID: 🔍
Qualys Name: 🔍

Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

Reaction Time: 🔍
0-Day Time: 🔍
Exposure Time: 🔍

Patch: httpd.apache.org

Timelineinfo

04/01/2003 🔍
05/28/2003 +57 days 🔍
05/28/2003 +0 days 🔍
05/28/2003 +0 days 🔍
05/28/2003 +0 days 🔍
06/02/2003 +5 days 🔍
06/09/2003 +7 days 🔍
04/09/2004 +304 days 🔍
07/31/2004 +113 days 🔍
08/24/2025 +7693 days 🔍

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: apache.org

Advisory: apache.org
Researcher: David Endler, John Hughes
Status: Confirmed
Confirmation: 🔍

CVE: CVE-2003-0189 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2003-0189
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-80
CERT: 🔍
X-Force: 12091 - Apache HTTP Server apr_password_validate denial of service, Medium Risk
SecurityFocus: 7725 - Apache Basic Authentication Module Valid User Login Denial Of Service Vulnerability
Secunia: 8881 - Apache Denial of Service and Potential System Compromise Vulnerabilities, Highly Critical
OSVDB: 9714 - Apache Authentication Module Threaded MPM DoS
Vulnerability Center: 2619

See also: 🔍

Entryinfo

Created: 05/28/2003 02:00
Updated: 08/24/2025 00:44
Changes: 05/28/2003 02:00 (79), 04/16/2019 15:10 (1), 03/08/2021 11:02 (7), 03/08/2021 11:09 (1), 06/22/2024 01:58 (15), 11/18/2024 14:24 (3), 08/24/2025 00:44 (2)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216:82A:103

VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

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