Apache 2.2.20 released to fix DoS vulnerability

by Chester Wisniewski on August 31, 2011 | Leave a comment

Filed Under: Denial of Service, Vulnerability

BugThis afternoon the Apache Foundation released an awaited fix to the denial of service (DoS) vulnerability reported a few days ago.

The fixes in version 2.2.20 of the Apache httpd server reduce the amount of memory that is used by range requests. If the total bytes of a file requested exceed the total file size, httpd will return the entire file.

This follows closely on the heels of a tool released to the Full Disclosure mailing list this week that exploits the flaw.

Apache web administrators are encouraged to apply this fix immediately. Unfortunately, as we see all too frequently, many Linux and Unix administrators "set and forget" their installations and never bother to look after their servers.

The Apache team should be applauded for testing and releasing an important security fix so quickly.

Now it is up to you, the IT administrators who are using Apache, to follow through and apply these fixes.

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About the author

Chester Wisniewski is a Senior Security Advisor at Sophos Canada. He provides advice and insight into the latest threats for security and IT professionals with the goal of providing clear guidance on complex topics. You can follow Chester on Twitter as @chetwisniewski or send him an email at chesterw@sophos.com.