Security Bulletin: IBM HTTP Server is vulnerable to arbitrary code execution due to Expat (CVE-2022-40674)

Summary

IBM HTTP Server used by IBM WebSphere Application Server is vulnerable to arbitrary code execution due to Expat. The Expat library is used by IBM HTTP Server’s WebDAV (mod_dav) support, but may also be used by third-party Apache HTTP Server modules if they have been loaded into the server by the administrator. This has been addressed. [CVE-2022-40674]

Vulnerability Details

CVEID:CVE-2022-40674
**DESCRIPTION:**libexpat could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system, caused by a use-after-free in the doContent function in xmlparse.c. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the system.
CVSS Base score: 9.8
CVSS Temporal Score: See: https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/236116 for the current score.
CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H)

Affected Products and Versions

Remediation/Fixes

IBM strongly recommends addressing the vulnerability now by applying a currently available interim fix or fix pack that contains APAR PH49572.

For IBM HTTP Server used by IBM WebSphere Application Server:

For V9.0.0.0 through 9.0.5.13:
· Upgrade to minimal fix pack levels as required by interim fix and then apply Interim Fix PH49572
--OR–
· Apply Fix Pack 9.0.5.14 or later (targeted availability 4Q2022).

For V8.5.0.0 through 8.5.5.22:
· Upgrade to minimal fix pack levels as required by interim fix and then apply Interim Fix PH49572
--OR–
· Apply Fix Pack 8.5.5.23 or later (targeted availability 1Q2023).

For V8.0.0.0 through 8.0.0.15:
· Upgrade to 8.0.0.15 and then apply Interim Fix PH49572

For V7.0.0.0 through 7.0.0.45:
· Upgrade to 7.0.0.45 and then apply Interim Fix PH49572

Additional interim fixes may be available and linked off the interim fix download page.

_IBM HTTP Server V7.0 and V8.0 are no longer in full support; IBM recommends upgrading to a fixed, supported version/release/platform of the product. _

Important Note

IBM strongly suggests that all System z customers be subscribed to the System z Security Portal to receive the latest critical System z security and
integrity service. If you are not subscribed, see the instructions on the System z Security web site. Security and integrity APARs and associated fixes will
be posted to this portal. IBM suggests reviewing the CVSS scores and applying all security or integrity fixes as soon as possible to minimize any potential
risk.

Workarounds and Mitigations

None