Apache HTTP Server 413 error page cross-site scripting

apache-413error-xss (38800) The risk level is classified as MediumMedium Risk

Description:

Apache HTTP Server is vulnerable to cross-site scripting, caused by improper validation of user-supplied input. A remote attacker could embed malicious script within a HTTP method request containing an invalid length data value, which would be executed in the victim's Web browser within the security context of the hosting site, once the link is clicked and a "413 Request Entity Too Large" error page is returned. An attacker could use this vulnerability to steal the victim's cookie-based authentication credentials.

Platforms Affected:

  • Apache, HTTP Server 2.0.46
  • Apache, HTTP Server 2.0.51
  • Apache, HTTP Server 2.0.55
  • Apache, HTTP Server 2.0.59
  • Apache, HTTP Server 2.2.3
  • Apache, HTTP Server 2.2.4
  • Apple, Mac OS X 10.5.2
  • Apple, Mac OS X Server 10.5.2
  • Gentoo, Linux
  • IBM, HTTP Server prior to 6.0.2.27
  • IBM, HTTP Server prior to 6.1.0.15
  • Novell, Linux Desktop 9
  • Novell, Linux POS 9
  • Novell, Open Enterprise Server
  • Novell, Open Enterprise Server
  • Novell, OpenSUSE 10.2
  • Novell, OpenSUSE 10.3
  • SuSE, OpenSuSE 10.2
  • SuSE, OpenSuSE 10.3
  • SuSE, SLE SDK 10
  • SuSE, SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10.0 SP1
  • SuSE, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 10.0
  • SuSE, SuSE SLES 9

Remedy:

For Mac OS X:
Apply Security Update 2008-002, available from the Apple Web site. See References.

For other distributions:
Apply the appropriate update for your system. See References.

Consequences:

Gain Access

References:

  • Apache Web site, Welcome! - The Apache Software Foundation at http://www.apache.org/.
  • Apple Web site Apple Web site, About Security Update 2008-002 About Security Update 2008-002 at http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=307562.
  • BugTraq Mailing List, Fri Nov 30 2007 - 10:17:45 CST , PR07-37: XSS on Apache HTTP Server 413 error pages via malformed HTTP method at http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/bugtraq/2007-11/0438.html.
  • IBM APAR PK57952, INPUT METHOD NOT ESCAPED IN DEFAULT 413 ERROR RESPONSE at http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg1PK57952.
  • BID-26663: Apache HTTP Server 413 Error HTTP Request Method Cross-Site Scripting Weakness
  • CVE-2007-6203: Apache HTTP Server 2.0.x and 2.2.x does not sanitize the HTTP Method specifier header from an HTTP request when it is reflected back in a 413 Request Entity Too Large error message, which might allow cross-site scripting (XSS) style attacks using web client components that can send arbitrary headers in requests, as demonstrated via an HTTP request containing an invalid Content-length value, a similar issue to CVE-2006-3918.
  • FrSIRT/ADV-2007-4060: Apache 413 Request Entity Too Large Cross Site Scripting Vulnerability
  • FrSIRT/ADV-2007-4301: IBM HTTP Server Multiple Client-Side Cross Site Scripting Vulnerabilities
  • FrSIRT/ADV-2008-0084: IBM HTTP Server for WebSphere z/OS Security Bypass Vulnerabilities
  • FrSIRT/ADV-2008-0924: Apple Mac OS X Command Execution and Security Bypass Issues
  • GLSA-200803-19: Apache: Multiple vulnerabilities
  • SA27906: Apache HTTP Method Request Entity Too Large Cross-Site Scripting
  • SA28196: IBM HTTP Server Two Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerabilities
  • SA29420: Mac OS X Security Update Fixes Multiple Vulnerabilities
  • SECTRACK ID: 1019030: Apache Input Validation Hole in Default HTTP 413 Error Page Permits Cross-Site Scripting Attacks
  • SUSE-SA:2008:021: Apache security problems

Reported:

Nov 30, 2007

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