CVE-2024-27922: Tomphttp Bare Server Info Disclosure Flaw

CVE-2024-27922 Overview

CVE-2024-27922 is an HTTP Request Smuggling vulnerability affecting the @tomphttp/bare-server-node package, which implements the TompHTTP bare server. This vulnerability stems from insecure handling of HTTP requests, potentially exposing users to manipulation of their web traffic. The flaw relates to CWE-444 (Inconsistent Interpretation of HTTP Requests), allowing attackers to exploit discrepancies in how HTTP requests are processed.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to manipulate HTTP request handling without authentication, potentially leading to complete compromise of affected systems with impacts to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Affected Products

• tomphttp tomp_bare_server versions prior to 2.0.2
• @tomphttp/bare-server-node npm package

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-03-21 - CVE CVE-2024-27922 published to NVD
• 2026-01-02 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-27922

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as HTTP Request Smuggling (CWE-444), which occurs when front-end and back-end servers interpret HTTP request boundaries differently. In the context of the @tomphttp/bare-server-node package, the insecure handling of HTTP requests creates an opportunity for attackers to craft malicious requests that bypass security controls or manipulate traffic flow.

HTTP Request Smuggling vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring any privileges or user interaction. The impact may vary depending on how the package is deployed, but exploitation could potentially lead to cache poisoning, session hijacking, request hijacking, or bypassing security controls.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in the inconsistent interpretation of HTTP requests within the @tomphttp/bare-server-node package. The package fails to properly validate and sanitize HTTP request components, leading to ambiguous parsing behavior. This inconsistency can be exploited when the bare server is deployed behind proxies or load balancers that interpret requests differently.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, requiring no authentication or user interaction. An attacker can send specially crafted HTTP requests to a server running a vulnerable version of the @tomphttp/bare-server-node package. By exploiting differences in how HTTP request boundaries are interpreted, the attacker can:

1. Smuggle malicious requests through front-end security controls
2. Poison web caches with malicious content
3. Hijack other users' requests or responses
4. Bypass access controls and security filters

The vulnerability manifests in the HTTP request parsing logic of the bare server implementation. For detailed technical information about the vulnerability mechanism, refer to the GitHub Security Advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-27922

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP request patterns with ambiguous Content-Length or Transfer-Encoding headers
• Unexpected cache behavior or cache poisoning indicators
• Anomalous HTTP response splitting or request boundary issues in server logs
• Multiple HTTP requests combined in unexpected ways in access logs

Detection Strategies

• Monitor network traffic for malformed HTTP requests with conflicting Content-Length and Transfer-Encoding headers
• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect HTTP Request Smuggling patterns
• Review application logs for signs of request desynchronization or unexpected request handling
• Use security scanning tools to identify vulnerable versions of @tomphttp/bare-server-node

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed HTTP request logging on servers running the affected package
• Configure intrusion detection systems to alert on HTTP Request Smuggling patterns
• Monitor for unusual traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts
• Regularly audit npm dependencies for vulnerable package versions using tools like npm audit

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-27922

Immediate Actions Required

• Update @tomphttp/bare-server-node to version 2.0.2 or later immediately
• Review system logs for signs of potential exploitation
• Consider temporarily isolating affected systems until patches are applied
• Audit all deployments using the vulnerable package for potential compromise

Patch Information

The vulnerability has been patched in version 2.0.2 of the @tomphttp/bare-server-node package. Organizations should upgrade to this version or later to remediate the vulnerability. The fix addresses the insecure HTTP request handling that allowed request smuggling attacks.

For more information about the patch, see the GitHub Security Advisory.

Workarounds

• No specific workaround strategies have been disclosed by the vendor
• As an interim measure, consider placing a properly configured reverse proxy in front of the affected server to normalize HTTP requests
• Implement strict HTTP request validation at the network perimeter using a WAF
• Limit network exposure of systems running the vulnerable package until patching is complete

# Update @tomphttp/bare-server-node to patched version
npm update @tomphttp/bare-server-node@2.0.2

# Verify installed version
npm list @tomphttp/bare-server-node

# Alternative: Use npm audit to check for vulnerabilities
npm audit