CVE-2020-7238 : Security Advisory and Response

Netty 4.1.43.Final allows HTTP Request Smuggling due to mishandling Transfer-Encoding whitespace and Content-Length header, stemming from an incomplete fix for CVE-2019-16869.

Understanding CVE-2020-7238

Netty 4.1.43.Final vulnerability leading to HTTP Request Smuggling.

What is CVE-2020-7238?

Netty 4.1.43.Final vulnerability allows HTTP Request Smuggling due to mishandling Transfer-Encoding whitespace and Content-Length header.
This issue is a result of an incomplete fix for CVE-2019-16869.

The Impact of CVE-2020-7238

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to manipulate HTTP requests, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data tampering.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-7238

Netty 4.1.43.Final vulnerability details.

Vulnerability Description

Netty 4.1.43.Final mishandles Transfer-Encoding whitespace and Content-Length header, enabling HTTP Request Smuggling.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: n/a
Vendor: n/a
Version: n/a

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can insert Transfer-Encoding whitespace and a later Content-Length header to exploit the vulnerability.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to mitigate and prevent CVE-2020-7238.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Netty to a patched version that addresses the HTTP Request Smuggling vulnerability.
Monitor and filter incoming requests to detect and block any malicious attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement secure coding practices to mitigate similar issues in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and apply patches promptly to secure systems.