CVE-2021-37148 : Security Advisory and Response

Apache Traffic Server versions 8.0.0 to 8.1.2 and 9.0.0 to 9.0.1 are affected by an improper input validation vulnerability in header parsing, allowing attackers to smuggle requests.

Understanding CVE-2021-37148

This CVE pertains to a request smuggling issue related to transfer encoding validation in Apache Traffic Server.

What is CVE-2021-37148?

The CVE-2021-37148 vulnerability involves improper input validation during header parsing in Apache Traffic Server, which enables attackers to manipulate requests.

The Impact of CVE-2021-37148

The vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors to carry out request smuggling attacks on systems running affected versions of Apache Traffic Server.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-37148

The following technical details outline the vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in header parsing in Apache Traffic Server versions 8.0.0 to 8.1.2 and 9.0.0 to 9.0.1 allows threat actors to craft requests to bypass security mechanisms.

Affected Systems and Versions

Apache Traffic Server versions 8.0.0 to 8.1.2 and 9.0.0 to 9.0.1 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the improper input validation in header parsing to smuggle requests and potentially bypass security controls.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-37148, consider the following security measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Apache Traffic Server to versions that contain patches addressing the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploit attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security training for staff to recognize and respond to security threats.
Maintain an updated inventory of software and versions to track vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates from Apache Software Foundation to ensure that the Apache Traffic Server software is up to date.