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Apache vulnerable to DoS via request for MS-DOS device

Vulnerability Note VU#979793

Original Release Date: 2003-02-12 | Last Revised: 2003-02-12

Overview

Systems running the Apache web server under some versions of Microsoft Windows may be vulnerable to a remote denial-of-service condition.

Description

The Apache HTTP server fails to filter GET requests for MS-DOS style device names. This results in a denial-of-service vulnerability on systems running Apache under operating systems that use these device names (i.e., Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows Millenium Edition).

Impact

Remote intruders can cause the Apache server program to crash.

Solution

Apply a patch from the vendor

The Apache Software Foundation has released version 2.0.44 of the Apache HTTP server to address this vulnerability. Users are encouraged to upgrade to this version of the software.

Furthermore, users of the Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows 98 Second Edition operating systems are encouraged to apply the patches referenced in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS00-017 in order to prevent other applications from exploiting this vulnerability.

Vendor Information

979793
 
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Apache Software Foundation Affected

Notified:  December 10, 2002 Updated: January 29, 2003

Status

Affected

Vendor Statement

We have not received a statement from the vendor.

Vendor Information

The vendor has not provided us with any further information regarding this vulnerability.

Addendum

The CERT/CC has no additional comments at this time.

If you have feedback, comments, or additional information about this vulnerability, please send us email.


CVSS Metrics

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References

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS00-017.asp

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Matthew Murphy for reporting this vulnerability.

This document was written by Chad R Dougherty.

Other Information

CVE IDs: CVE-2003-0016
Severity Metric: 0.43
Date Public: 2003-01-21
Date First Published: 2003-02-12
Date Last Updated: 2003-02-12 15:37 UTC
Document Revision: 16

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