CVE-2017-7679 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Apache HTTP Server mod_mime Buffer Overread Vulnerability

Understanding CVE-2017-7679

Apache HTTP Server versions 2.2.x before 2.2.33 and 2.4.x before 2.4.26 are affected by a buffer overread vulnerability in mod_mime.

What is CVE-2017-7679?

When a malicious response header of Content-Type is sent, mod_mime in Apache HTTP Server versions 2.2.x before 2.2.33 and 2.4.x before 2.4.26 can potentially read beyond the end of a buffer by one byte.

The Impact of CVE-2017-7679

This vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to read sensitive information from the server's memory or potentially execute arbitrary code.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-7679

Vulnerability Description

The mod_mime component in Apache HTTP Server can read one byte past the end of a buffer when processing a malicious Content-Type response header.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Versions: Apache HTTP Server 2.2.0 to 2.2.32, 2.4.0 to 2.4.25

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted Content-Type header, leading to a buffer overread.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the necessary security patches provided by Apache Software Foundation.
Monitor security advisories for updates and follow best practices for secure server configuration.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the Apache HTTP Server software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement network security measures to detect and prevent malicious traffic targeting the server.

Patching and Updates

Update Apache HTTP Server to versions 2.2.33 or later for 2.2.x branches and 2.4.26 or later for 2.4.x branches to address this vulnerability.