CVE-2020-17522 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Apache Traffic Control versions 3.0.0 to 3.1.0 and 4.0.0 to 4.1.0 are vulnerable to an Information Disclosure issue that allows bad actors to manipulate CDN cache servers.

Understanding CVE-2020-17522

This CVE pertains to a security vulnerability in Apache Traffic Control that could lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of content on CDN cache servers.

What is CVE-2020-17522?

CVE-2020-17522 involves the generation of ip_allow.config files by ORT (now via atstccfg) in specific versions of Apache Traffic Control, enabling bad actors to insert and remove content on CDN cache servers.

The Impact of CVE-2020-17522

The permissions granted by the generated files may extend to IP addresses beyond the intended range, potentially allowing unauthorized clients access to the CDN architecture.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-17522

Apache Traffic Control versions 3.0.0 to 3.1.0 and 4.0.0 to 4.1.0 are affected by this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The ip_allow.config files generated by ORT contain permissions that can be exploited by malicious actors to manipulate content on CDN cache servers.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Apache Traffic Control
Versions: Traffic Control 3.0.0 to 3.1.0, 4.0.0 to 4.1.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Bad actors can push arbitrary content into and remove content from CDN cache servers.
Permissions may be extended to IP addresses outside the desired range, potentially granting access to unauthorized clients.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Apache Traffic Control to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict access to CDN cache servers to authorized entities only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update access control policies for CDN cache servers.
Conduct security audits to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Apache Traffic Control promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation.