CVE-2017-6508 : Security Advisory and Response

Wget through version 1.19.1 is vulnerable to a CRLF injection flaw, allowing remote attackers to manipulate HTTP headers.

Understanding CVE-2017-6508

The vulnerability in the url_parse function of Wget poses a security risk due to CRLF injection.

What is CVE-2017-6508?

The url_parse function in Wget through version 1.19.1 is susceptible to a CRLF injection vulnerability. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary HTTP headers by using CRLF sequences in the host subcomponent of a URL.

The Impact of CVE-2017-6508

This vulnerability enables remote attackers to manipulate HTTP headers, potentially leading to various attacks such as request smuggling, cache poisoning, and cross-site scripting (XSS).

Technical Details of CVE-2017-6508

Wget through version 1.19.1 is affected by a CRLF injection vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The url_parse function in Wget allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary HTTP headers via CRLF sequences in the host subcomponent of a URL.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Wget
Vendor: N/A
Versions affected: 1.19.1 and prior

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by inserting CRLF sequences in the host subcomponent of a URL to manipulate HTTP headers.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-6508, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Wget to version 1.19.2 or later to patch the CRLF injection vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity related to HTTP header manipulation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement network security measures to detect and prevent HTTP header manipulation attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by the Wget project to fix the CRLF injection vulnerability.