Apache HTTP Server up to 2.0.45 on Unix Authentication denial of service

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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5.7$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability marked as critical has been reported in Apache HTTP Server up to 2.0.45 on Unix. This issue affects some unknown processing of the component Authentication. Performing a manipulation results in denial of service. This vulnerability is identified as CVE-2003-0189. The attack can be initiated remotely. There is not any exploit available. It is suggested to upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Apache HTTP Server up to 2.0.45 on Unix (Web Server). This affects an unknown code of the component Authentication. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a denial of service vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as CWE-404. The product does not release or incorrectly releases a resource before it is made available for re-use. This is going to have an impact on availability.

The weakness was released 05/28/2003 by David Endler and John Hughes (Website). The advisory is shared at apache.org. This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-2003-0189 since 04/01/2003. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. No form of authentication is needed for exploitation. Neither technical details nor an exploit are publicly available. MITRE ATT&CK project uses the attack technique T1499 for this issue.

We expect the 0-day to have been worth approximately $5k-$25k. 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. 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 apache.org. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at X-Force (12091), Tenable (14046), SecurityFocus (BID 7725†), OSVDB (9714†) and Secunia (SA8881†). Entries connected to this vulnerability are available at VDB-31, VDB-80, VDB-570 and VDB-841. Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

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: 5.9
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 5.7

VulDB Base Score: 5.9
VulDB Temp Score: 5.7
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

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

NVD Base Score: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Denial of service
CWE: CWE-404
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 Port: 🔍

Qualys ID: 🔍
Qualys Name: 🔍

Threat Intelligenceinfo

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

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔍

Patch: apache.org

Timelineinfo

01/01/2003 🔍
04/01/2003 +90 days 🔍
05/28/2003 +57 days 🔍
05/28/2003 +0 days 🔍
05/28/2003 +0 days 🔍
05/28/2003 +0 days 🔍
06/09/2003 +12 days 🔍
10/19/2003 +132 days 🔍
04/09/2004 +172 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-100-81
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 - DoS in Apache 2.0.40-2.0.45 Authentication Module When Threaded MPM is Used, Medium

See also: 🔍

Entryinfo

Created: 05/28/2003 02:00
Updated: 08/24/2025 00:44
Changes: 05/28/2003 02:00 (84), 04/16/2019 15:10 (4), 03/08/2021 11:11 (2), 03/08/2021 11:18 (1), 11/18/2024 14:24 (17), 08/24/2025 00:44 (2)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

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