CVE-2021-23937 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A DNS proxy and possible amplification attack vulnerability in WebClientInfo of Apache Wicket allows an attacker to trigger arbitrary DNS lookups from the server, potentially causing a denial of service. This CVE affects multiple versions of Apache Wicket.

Understanding CVE-2021-23937

This section will cover details about the vulnerability and its impact.

What is CVE-2021-23937?

CVE-2021-23937 refers to a DNS proxy and possible amplification attack vulnerability in Apache Wicket, allowing malicious actors to overload internal DNS servers or disrupt request processing.

The Impact of CVE-2021-23937

The vulnerability can be exploited to trigger arbitrary DNS lookups, potentially leading to a denial of service on both the internal infrastructure and the web application itself.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-23937

Explore the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises in WebClientInfo of Apache Wicket when the X-Forwarded-For header is not properly sanitized, enabling attackers to initiate DNS lookups.

Affected Systems and Versions

Multiple versions of Apache Wicket are impacted, including 9.x (up to 9.2.0), 8.x (up to 8.11.0), 7.x (up to 7.17.0), and 6.x (6.2.0 and later).

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the X-Forwarded-For header, attackers can trigger DNS lookups, potentially causing service disruptions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to address and prevent the CVE from being exploited.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial to sanitize the X-Forwarded-For header by implementing a reverse HTTP proxy for Apache Wicket applications.

Long-Term Security Practices

Incorporating robust input validation and security protocols can help mitigate such vulnerabilities in the long run.

Patching and Updates

Regularly update Apache Wicket to the latest secure versions to patch known vulnerabilities and enhance application security.