CVE-2020-13950 : What You Need to Know

Apache HTTP Server versions 2.4.41 to 2.4.46 are affected by a vulnerability that can lead to a Denial of Service due to a NULL pointer dereference in mod_proxy_http.

Understanding CVE-2020-13950

This CVE involves a specific vulnerability in Apache HTTP Server versions 2.4.41 to 2.4.46 that can be exploited to cause a crash, resulting in a Denial of Service.

What is CVE-2020-13950?

CVE-2020-13950 is a security vulnerability found in Apache HTTP Server versions 2.4.41 to 2.4.46. It allows attackers to trigger a NULL pointer dereference in mod_proxy_http, leading to a system crash.

The Impact of CVE-2020-13950

The impact of this CVE is a Denial of Service (DoS) attack, where specially crafted requests utilizing both Content-Length and Transfer-Encoding headers can cause the server to crash.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-13950

This section covers the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in mod_proxy_http can be exploited to crash the Apache HTTP Server by triggering a NULL pointer dereference with specific request headers.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Apache HTTP Server
Vendor: Apache Software Foundation
Affected Versions: 2.4.41, 2.4.43, 2.4.46

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted requests that include both Content-Length and Transfer-Encoding headers, causing the server to crash.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-13950, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the latest security patches provided by Apache Software Foundation.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity targeting the Apache HTTP Server.
Implement network-level protections to filter out potentially malicious requests.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the Apache HTTP Server to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Apache Software Foundation.
Ensure timely application of patches to keep the Apache HTTP Server secure.