CVE-2012-4557: Medium severity apache http server vulnerability

Published Oct 31, 2012
·
Updated

The modproxyajp module in the Apache HTTP Server 2.2.12 through 2.2.21 places a worker node into an error state upon detection of a long request-processing time, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (worker consumption) via an expensive request.

Other sources

When modproxyajp sends a request to a worker node and the time to process that request exceeds the configured timeout, the worker node will be marked as in the error state, stopping all traffic to the node until it is flagged as up again. A remote attacker could use this flaw to trigger a temporary denial of service attack, provided they were able to create a request that caused sufficient processing time to exceed the timeout threshold.

Red Hat

Affected Software

11 affected componentsFixes available
redhat/httpd<2.2.22
2.2.22
Apache HTTP Server=2.2.12
Apache HTTP Server=2.2.13
Apache HTTP Server=2.2.14
Apache HTTP Server=2.2.15
Apache HTTP Server=2.2.16
Apache HTTP Server=2.2.17
Apache HTTP Server=2.2.18
Apache HTTP Server=2.2.19
Apache HTTP Server=2.2.20
Apache HTTP Server=2.2.21

Event History

Nov 30, 2012
CVE Published
via MITRE·07:00 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·07:00 PM
Description

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2012-4557?

CVE-2012-4557 is rated as a medium severity vulnerability that can lead to a denial of service.

2

How do I fix CVE-2012-4557?

To fix CVE-2012-4557, upgrade the Apache HTTP Server to version 2.2.22 or later.

3

What versions are affected by CVE-2012-4557?

CVE-2012-4557 affects Apache HTTP Server versions 2.2.12 through 2.2.21.

4

What type of attack does CVE-2012-4557 facilitate?

CVE-2012-4557 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via expensive requests.

5

Is CVE-2012-4557 limited to specific platforms?

CVE-2012-4557 is specific to the Apache HTTP Server and can occur on any platform running the affected versions.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203