Latest Apache release fixes DOS vulnerability

The latest release of Apache 2.0 fixes a number of security vulnerabilities including an as-yet-undisclosed flaw that could be used to launch a denial of service attack against machines running the popular Web server, according to information released by the Apache Software Foundation (ASF).

The new release, version 2.0.45, is intended "principally as a security and bug fix release," according to the ASF.

First and foremost on the list of fixed vulnerabilities was a security hole discovered by David Endler, director of Technical Intelligence at security intelligence firm iDefense. Details on the vulnerability discovered by Endler were not disclosed, but Apache 2.0 users were encouraged to upgrade.

Endler will publish a report on the vulnerability on April 7, according to the ASF.

Other, lower priority security leaks and bug fixes were also included in the 2.0.45 release.

However, a known DOS vulnerability that affects those systems running Apache on the OS/2 platform remains open. The latest Apache version was "too important" to delay release until the OS/2 fix could be included, the ASF said.

OS/2 users will have to wait for the release of 2.0.46 to get a fix for that problem, the ASF said.

The decision by the ASF and iDefense to withhold information on a major vulnerability for a week following the release of a patch stands in contrast to prior revelations about security holes in the Apache software.

In August, security company PivX Solutions released information on a major vulnerability shortly after the ASF published a software patch to fix the problem.

Users of all prior versions of Apache were encouraged to update to the latest release.

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.