CVE-2025-46728: cpp-httplib has Unbounded Memory Allocation in Chunked/No-Length Requests

Published May 6, 2025
·
Updated

cpp-httplib is a C++ header-only HTTP/HTTPS server and client library. Prior to version 0.20.1, the library fails to enforce configured size limits on incoming request bodies when Transfer-Encoding: chunked is used or when no Content-Length header is provided. A remote attacker can send a chunked request without the terminating zero-length chunk, causing uncontrolled memory allocation on the server. This leads to potential exhaustion of system memory and results in a server crash or unresponsiveness. Version 0.20.1 fixes the issue by enforcing limits during parsing. If the limit is exceeded at any point during reading, the connection is terminated immediately. A short-term workaround through a Reverse Proxy is available. If updating the library immediately is not feasible, deploy a reverse proxy (e.g., Nginx, HAProxy) in front of the cpp-httplib application. Configure the proxy to enforce maximum request body size limits, thereby stopping excessively large requests before they reach the vulnerable library code.

Affected Software

2 affected components
cpp-httplib cpp-httplib<0.20.1
Cpp-httplib Project Cpp-httplib<0.20.1

Event History

May 6, 2025
CVE Published
via MITRE·12:45 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·12:45 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·01:15 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2025-46728?

CVE-2025-46728 has a vulnerability severity rating that indicates it allows for potential denial of service attacks due to improper request body size enforcement.

2

How do I fix CVE-2025-46728?

To fix CVE-2025-46728, update cpp-httplib to version 0.20.1 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed.

3

What are the risks associated with CVE-2025-46728?

The risks associated with CVE-2025-46728 include the possibility of remote attackers exploiting the vulnerability to send oversized request bodies, potentially causing service disruptions.

4

Which versions of cpp-httplib are affected by CVE-2025-46728?

CVE-2025-46728 affects all versions of cpp-httplib prior to version 0.20.1.

5

How does CVE-2025-46728 impact web applications?

CVE-2025-46728 can impact web applications by allowing attackers to bypass size limits on incoming requests, which may lead to denial of service or resource exhaustion.

Contact

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