Remote code execution in IBM HTTP Server

1) Use-after-free

EUVDB-ID: #VU67532

Risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 8.1 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2022-40674

CWE-ID: CWE-416 - Use After Free

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to compromise vulnerable system.

The vulnerability exists due to a use-after-free error in the doContent() function in xmlparse.c. A remote attacker can pass specially crafted input to the application that is using the affected library, trigger a use-after-free error and execute arbitrary code on the system.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may allow an attacker to compromise vulnerable system.

Mitigation

Install update from vendor's website.

For IBM HTTP Server used by IBM WebSphere Application Server:

For V9.0.0.0 through 9.0.5.13:
· Upgrade to minimal fix pack levels as required by interim fix and then apply Interim Fix PH49572
--OR--
· Apply Fix Pack 9.0.5.14 or later (targeted availability 4Q2022). 

For V8.5.0.0 through 8.5.5.22:
· Upgrade to minimal fix pack levels as required by interim fix and then apply Interim Fix PH49572
--OR--
· Apply Fix Pack 8.5.5.23 or later (targeted availability 1Q2023).

For V8.0.0.0 through 8.0.0.15:
· Upgrade to 8.0.0.15 and then apply Interim Fix PH49572

For V7.0.0.0 through 7.0.0.45:
· Upgrade to 7.0.0.45 and  then apply Interim Fix PH49572

Vulnerable software versions

IBM HTTP Server: 7.0 - 9.0.5.13

CPE2.3

• cpe:2.3:a:ibm_corporation:ibm_http_server:7.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:ibm_corporation:ibm_http_server:7.0.0.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:ibm_corporation:ibm_http_server:7.0.0.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

External links

https://www.ibm.com/blogs/psirt/security-bulletin-ibm-http-server-is-vulnerable-to-arbitrary-code-execution-due-to-expat-cve-2022-40674/
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6827119

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

How the attacker can exploit this vulnerability?

The attacker would have to send a specially crafted request to the affected application in order to exploit this vulnerability.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.