CVE-2023-38522
CVE-2023-38522 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apache Traffic Server with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-444.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (58th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2023-42321
- Weakness: CWE-444
- Affected product: Apache Traffic Server
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
Apache Traffic Server accepts characters that are not allowed for HTTP field names and forwards malformed requests to origin servers. This can be utilized for request smuggling and may also lead cache poisoning if the origin servers are vulnerable. This issue affects Apache Traffic Server: from 8.0.0 through 8.1.10, from 9.0.0 through 9.2.4. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 8.1.11 or 9.2.5, which fixes the issue.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2023-38522?
- Apache Traffic Server accepts characters that are not allowed for HTTP field names and forwards malformed requests to origin servers. This can be utilized for request smuggling and may also lead cache poisoning if the origin servers are vulnerable. This issue affects Apache Traffic Server: from 8.0.0 through 8.1.10, from 9.0.0 through 9.2.4. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 8.1.11 or 9.2.5, which fixes the issue.
- How severe is CVE-2023-38522?
- CVE-2023-38522 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.
- Is CVE-2023-38522 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (58th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2023-38522?
- CVE-2023-38522 affects Apache Traffic Server. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2023-38522?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- Does CVE-2023-38522 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2023-38522 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2023-42321.
- When was CVE-2023-38522 published?
- CVE-2023-38522 was published on 2024-07-26 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://lists.apache.org/thread/c4mcmpblgl8kkmyt56t23543gp8v56m0
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2024/09/msg00040.html
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:traffic_server:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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