CVE-2021-20220 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2021-20220, a flaw in Undertow leading to HTTP request smuggling, impacting data confidentiality and integrity. Find mitigation steps and version details here.
A detailed analysis of CVE-2021-20220 focusing on the Undertow vulnerability, regression in CVE-2020-10687, and its potential impact on data confidentiality and integrity.
Understanding CVE-2021-20220
This section provides an overview of the Undertow vulnerability and its implications.
What is CVE-2021-20220?
CVE-2021-20220 is a flaw identified in Undertow, which results from a regression in the fix for CVE-2020-10687. It allows for HTTP request smuggling, making it possible for attackers to carry out various malicious activities.
The Impact of CVE-2021-20220
The vulnerability enables attackers to poison web caches, execute XSS attacks, or access sensitive information from requests other than their own. The most significant threat posed by this vulnerability is to data confidentiality and integrity.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-20220
In this section, we delve deeper into the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-20220 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw permits the injection of invalid characters in HTTP requests, facilitating HTTP request smuggling against HTTP/1.x and HTTP/2 protocols. This can lead to serious security consequences.
Affected Systems and Versions
Undertow versions 2.2.0.Final, 2.1.6.Final, and 2.0.34.Final are affected by this vulnerability, putting systems utilizing these versions at risk.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers exploit the vulnerability by sending crafted HTTP requests containing invalid characters, allowing them to manipulate web caches and extract sensitive information.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section outlines the steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-20220.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to apply security patches, monitor their systems for suspicious activities, and update affected Undertow versions to prevent exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing secure coding practices, regular security audits, and staying informed about security advisories can help in strengthening overall security posture.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for security updates from Undertow and apply patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.