CVE-2018-8011 Scanner

Apache HTTP Server is widely used for serving web content across the internet. It offers a reliable, cross-platform service to implement web pages, applications, and interactive services. This server is crucial for companies ranging from small businesses to large enterprises requiring robust web server capabilities. As an open-source platform, it benefits from a strong community contributing to its continual improvement and security. However, the server's popularity also makes it a target for various cyber threats that necessitate vigilant security monitoring. Given its importance, administrators are often tasked with keeping the server up-to-date and configured against vulnerabilities.

The detected vulnerability pertains to a NULL pointer dereference in the mod_md challenge handler in Apache HTTP Server versions up to 2.4.33. Specifically, the issue arises with specially crafted HTTP requests that lead to service disruptions via child process segfaults. This vulnerability can result in denial of service conditions that hamper server availability. Addressing this vulnerability is essential to maintaining an uninterrupted web service and ensuring user trust. CVE-2018-8011 highlights the critical need for updates to the server to mitigate such risks effectively.

Technical details of the vulnerability include its ability to crash servers using a specially crafted HTTP request. The vulnerable endpoint involves CGI script processing which is susceptible to null pointer dereference errors. An attacker can exploit this by sending requests that the challenge handler cannot properly process, causing a server crash. The vulnerability is rooted in the inability of apache versions before 2.4.34 to handle specific malformed requests. Affected servers must apply effective countermeasures to prevent potential attacks. By understanding its mechanism, server administrators can better equip themselves to counter such vulnerabilities.

When exploited, this vulnerability could result in a complete denial of service to users. It can cause significant downtime for service providers, leading to potential data loss and reputational damage. Businesses, especially those relying on Apache HTTP Server for mission-critical applications, could face severe financial implications. Moreover, the lack of server response availability keeps legitimate users from accessing essential services. Attackers could exploit this downtime as a distraction for launching further attacks against an organization. Therefore, timely mitigation of this vulnerability is crucial to prevent possible exploitation and ensure business continuity.

REFERENCES

• https://httpd.apache.org/security/vulnerabilities_24.html#CVE-2018-8011
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-8011