.png){kind=logo}
Executive Summary
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, vulnerabilities such as CVE-2018-1312 present significant risks to organizations worldwide. This critical vulnerability, found in the Apache HTTP Server, specifically affects the HTTP Digest authentication mechanism. The flaw arises from improper nonce value generation, which can lead to unauthorized access through replay attacks. Although there are no current reports of active exploitation, the potential for such attacks necessitates immediate attention and remediation. This report provides a detailed analysis of the vulnerability, its technical implications, and recommended mitigation strategies to safeguard your systems.
Technical Information
CVE-2018-1312 is a critical vulnerability identified in the Apache HTTP Server versions 2.2.0 to 2.4.29. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-287, indicating improper authentication due to the flawed generation of nonce values in the HTTP Digest authentication process. The nonce, a critical component designed to prevent replay attacks, was not generated using a pseudo-random seed, thereby compromising its effectiveness. This vulnerability allows attackers to replay HTTP requests across a cluster of servers sharing a common Digest authentication configuration, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data leakage.
The affected component, mod_auth_digest, is responsible for handling HTTP Digest authentication. The improper nonce generation flaw can be exploited in environments where multiple servers utilize a shared authentication configuration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform replay attacks, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive resources. The severity of this vulnerability is underscored by its CVSS 3.x score of 9.8, categorizing it as critical.
Organizations using the affected versions of the Apache HTTP Server are at risk of exploitation, particularly if their server configurations are not updated to address this flaw. The vulnerability was first published on March 26, 2018, and last modified on November 6, 2023. Despite the absence of reported exploitation in the wild, the potential impact on systems necessitates immediate action to mitigate the associated risks.
Exploitation in the Wild
As of the latest reports, there are no documented cases of CVE-2018-1312 being actively exploited in the wild. However, the vulnerability's nature makes it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit environments with shared Digest authentication configurations. The lack of pseudo-random nonce generation allows for replay attacks, which can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data. Organizations should remain vigilant and proactive in addressing this vulnerability to prevent potential exploitation.
APT Groups using this vulnerability
Currently, no specific Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups have been identified as targeting CVE-2018-1312. However, given the critical nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact, it is crucial for organizations to monitor threat intelligence sources for any emerging threats related to this vulnerability. Staying informed about potential APT activities can aid in timely detection and response to any exploitation attempts.
Affected Product Versions
The following versions of the Apache HTTP Server are affected by CVE-2018-1312: versions from 2.2.0 up to 2.2.34 and versions from 2.4.0 up to 2.4.29. Organizations using these versions should prioritize upgrading to a secure version to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Workaround and Mitigation
To address CVE-2018-1312, organizations are strongly advised to upgrade to Apache HTTP Server version 2.4.30 or later, where the vulnerability has been resolved. Additionally, reviewing authentication configurations to ensure nonce values are generated using a secure, pseudo-random seed is essential. Implementing additional security controls, such as multi-factor authentication and monitoring, can further enhance protection against replay attacks.
References
For further information on CVE-2018-1312, please refer to the following resources: National Vulnerability Database (NVD) Entry for CVE-2018-1312, Apache HTTP Server Security Vulnerabilities, Rapid7 Vulnerability Database, and MITRE CVE Entry.
Rescana is here for you
At Rescana, we are committed to helping our customers navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape. Our Continuous Threat and Exposure Management (CTEM) platform is designed to provide comprehensive threat intelligence and vulnerability management solutions. We are here to assist you in understanding and mitigating the risks associated with vulnerabilities like CVE-2018-1312. For any questions or further assistance, please contact our cybersecurity team at ops@rescana.com.
Comments