CVE-2019-14888 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability in the Undertow HTTP server before version 2.0.28.SP1 allows for a Denial of Service attack when operating on HTTPS, impacting Red Hat systems.

Understanding CVE-2019-14888

This CVE identifies a flaw in Undertow HTTP server versions prior to 2.0.28.SP1, affecting Red Hat systems.

What is CVE-2019-14888?

The vulnerability in Undertow HTTP server allows attackers to launch a Denial of Service (DoS) attack by targeting the HTTPS port, rendering the service inaccessible on SSL.

The Impact of CVE-2019-14888

CVSS Base Score: 7.5 (High)
Attack Vector: Network
Attack Complexity: Low
Availability Impact: High
No Confidentiality or Integrity Impact
No Privileges Required
No User Interaction Required
Scope: Unchanged

Technical Details of CVE-2019-14888

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Undertow HTTP server versions before 2.0.28.SP1 allows for a DoS attack when the server is running on HTTPS.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Undertow
Vendor: Red Hat
Affected Versions: All versions before 2.0.28.SP1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by targeting the HTTPS port, causing a DoS condition and making the service unavailable on SSL.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-14888, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Undertow HTTP server to version 2.0.28.SP1 or later.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity targeting the HTTPS port.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software components to prevent vulnerabilities.
Implement network security measures to detect and mitigate DoS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Red Hat promptly to secure the system against known vulnerabilities.