CVE-2024-42516

A flaw was found in httpd. The response headers are not sanitized before an HTTP response is sent when a malicious backend can insert a Content-Type, Content-Encoding, or some other headers. These issues lead to HTTP response splitting. This CVE provides a "complete" fix for CVE-2023-38709.

This flaw is only exploitable by a malicious backend or a malicious application, but may also affect forward proxy configurations.

This issue is classified as a Moderate vulnerability because successful exploitation requires a highly specific and constrained setup. Namely, the attacker must already have the ability to influence backend responses—such as injecting malicious headers like Content-Type or Content-Encoding—which typically implies a compromised or poorly controlled upstream service. In properly configured systems, frontend servers like Apache sanitize or strictly validate backend output, limiting exposure. Furthermore, HTTP response splitting does not inherently lead to remote code execution or privilege escalation on the server itself; instead, its effects are typically confined to manipulating client-side behavior such as caching or redirection.

The CVSS score(s) listed for this vulnerability do not reflect the associated product's status, and are included for informational purposes to better understand the severity of this vulnerability.

Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options do not meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base or stability.