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Vulnerability DatabaseCVE-2021-38161

CVE-2021-38161: 
Apache Traffic Server vulnerability analysis and mitigation

Overview

Improper Authentication vulnerability in TLS origin verification of Apache Traffic Server allows for man in the middle attacks. This issue affects Apache Traffic Server versions 8.0.0 to 8.0.8. The vulnerability was assigned CVE-2021-38161 and was discovered in August 2021 (CVE Details).

Technical details

The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.1 (HIGH) with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) and primarily affects the TLS origin verification mechanism (NVD).

Impact

The vulnerability could allow attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems. The high CVSS score indicates severe potential consequences if the vulnerability is successfully exploited (NVD).

Mitigation and workarounds

The vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases after version 8.0.8. Debian has released security updates to address this vulnerability in their distributions: version 8.0.2+ds-1+deb10u6 for oldstable (buster) and version 8.1.1+ds-1.1+deb11u1 for stable (bullseye) (Debian Advisory).

Additional resources

Source: This report was generated using AI

Related Apache Traffic Server vulnerabilities:

CVE ID

Severity

Score

Technologies

Component name

CISA KEV exploit

Has fix

Published date

CVE-2025-49763HIGH7.5
  • Apache Traffic ServerApache Traffic Server
  • trafficserver-debugsource
NoYesJun 19, 2025
CVE-2025-31698HIGH7.5
  • Apache Traffic ServerApache Traffic Server
  • trafficserver-debugsource
NoYesJun 19, 2025
CVE-2024-53868HIGH7.5
  • Apache Traffic ServerApache Traffic Server
  • trafficserver
NoYesApr 03, 2025
CVE-2024-56196MEDIUM6.3
  • Apache Traffic ServerApache Traffic Server
  • cpe:2.3:a:apache:traffic_server
NoYesMar 06, 2025
CVE-2024-56195MEDIUM6.3
  • Apache Traffic ServerApache Traffic Server
  • trafficserver
NoYesMar 06, 2025

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