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Update protection against Apache HTTP Server mod_proxy_ftp Wildcard Characters Cross Site Scripting

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Check Point Reference: CPAI-2008-226
Date Published:
Severity:
Source: Secunia Advisory: SA31384
Industry Reference(s): CVE-2008-2939
US-CERT VU#663763
Protection Provided by: IPS-1
  • IPS-1
  • IPS-1 NGX R65
Who is Vulnerable?
Apache Software Foundation HTTP Server 2.0.63 and prior
Apache Software Foundation HTTP Server 2.2.9 and prior
Vulnerability Description
A cross site scripting vulnerability exists in Apache web server mod_proxy_ftp module. The Apache HTTP server is the most popular web server used on the Internet. The Apache mod_proxy_ftp module allows the Apache web server to act as a proxy for FTP sites.  The mod_proxy_ftp module fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input. By supplying a crafted FTP URL, a remote attacker may be able to execute arbitrary Javascript in the context of a site being proxied by the Apache server. This may allow an attacker to steal cookies (including authentication cookies) and launch other attacks.
Update/Patch Available
Apache has released updates to address this issue:

http://svn.apache.org/viewvc?view=rev&revision=682868
http://svn.apache.org/viewvc?view=rev&revision=682868
http://svn.apache.org/viewvc?view=rev&revision=682871
Vulnerability Details
The flaw is due to improper globbing on the part of the mod_proxy_ftp module. Apache Filename globbing is the process of using wildcards to match filenames. The mod_proxy_ftp module fails to properly filter globbed characters in FTP URIs. Successful exploitation would result in compromise of target user’s cookies associated with the site and modification of user information.

Protection Overview
By enabling this protection, IPS-1 will detect and block  HTTP requests for files with a particular file name pattern.

To configure the defense, select your product from the list below and follow the related protection steps.

IPS-1 & IPS-1 NGX R65

How Can I Protect My Network?
1. In the IPS-1 Policy Manager, click on the Protection tab.
2. In the Protection tree, click Web Intelligence > WWW2, and select the User-Definable Variables group.
3. Click Filename Requested contains a user-defined bad filename.
4. In the configuration pane, under Settings, check Active.
5. Click on Install Policy.

How Do I Know if My Network is Under Attack?
Upon attack, the following entries will be logged:

*Alert Name: www2_uservars
Description: filenamecontain_alert