CVE-2021-34798 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides an in-depth analysis of CVE-2021-34798, a vulnerability in the Apache HTTP Server that could allow malicious actors to cause the server to dereference a NULL pointer.

Understanding CVE-2021-34798

CVE-2021-34798, also known as 'NULL pointer dereference in httpd core,' was discovered in the Apache HTTP Server by the Apache HTTP security team.

What is CVE-2021-34798?

The vulnerability allows attackers to send malformed requests that may lead to the server dereferencing a NULL pointer. It affects Apache HTTP Server versions 2.4.48 and earlier.

The Impact of CVE-2021-34798

The impact of this vulnerability is considered moderate.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-34798

The following technical details shed light on the vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

Malformed requests can trigger the server to dereference a NULL pointer, exposing a security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

Apache HTTP Server 2.4.48 and earlier versions are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted requests to the server, causing it to dereference a NULL pointer.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-34798, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Apache HTTP Server to version 2.4.49 or newer to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor server logs for any unusual activity that may indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and server components to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Implement network security measures to detect and prevent malicious requests targeting the server.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates related to Apache HTTP Server to apply patches promptly and ensure the security of your server.