CVE-2022-32213 is a vulnerability in the Node.js HTTP module affecting the llhttp parser versions prior to v14.20.1, v16.17.1, and v18.9.1. The vulnerability arises from improper parsing and validation of the Transfer-Encoding HTTP headers, which can lead to HTTP Request Smuggling (HRS). HTTP Request Smuggling is a technique where an attacker crafts ambiguous HTTP requests that are interpreted differently by front-end proxies and back-end servers. This discrepancy allows the attacker to bypass security controls, poison web caches, perform cross-site scripting (XSS), or hijack user sessions. In this case, the llhttp parser fails to correctly handle Transfer-Encoding headers, which are used to specify how the message body is encoded. This flaw can cause the HTTP request boundaries to be misinterpreted, enabling an attacker to smuggle malicious requests through the HTTP pipeline. The affected Node.js versions span a wide range, from version 4.0 up to 18.0, indicating that many applications using these versions are potentially vulnerable. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, and exploitation can be performed remotely by sending specially crafted HTTP requests. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the nature of HTTP Request Smuggling vulnerabilities historically has allowed attackers to perform impactful attacks against web infrastructure. The lack of a CVSS score suggests that the vulnerability has not been formally scored, but the technical details and potential impact warrant serious attention. Node.js is widely used in web applications and APIs, so vulnerable systems could be exposed to request smuggling attacks that compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of web services.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-32213 can be significant, especially for those relying on Node.js-based web servers, microservices, or API gateways. HTTP Request Smuggling can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, session hijacking, cache poisoning, and bypassing of security controls such as web application firewalls (WAFs). This can result in data breaches, service disruptions, and reputational damage. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and government are particularly at risk due to the sensitive nature of their data and regulatory requirements like GDPR. Additionally, the ability to smuggle requests can facilitate further attacks such as cross-site scripting or privilege escalation within internal networks. Given the widespread adoption of Node.js in modern web infrastructure across Europe, the vulnerability could affect a broad range of services, from public-facing websites to internal APIs. The absence of known exploits in the wild does not diminish the risk, as attackers may develop exploits targeting unpatched systems. The impact is compounded by the fact that the vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, making it easier to exploit remotely.

1. Upgrade Node.js to patched versions: Organizations should immediately upgrade to Node.js versions v14.20.1 or later, v16.17.1 or later, or v18.9.1 or later, where the vulnerability has been fixed. 2. Audit and monitor HTTP headers: Implement strict validation and normalization of HTTP headers at the application or proxy level to detect and block malformed Transfer-Encoding headers. 3. Deploy Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with updated signatures: Ensure WAFs are configured to detect HTTP Request Smuggling patterns and are regularly updated to recognize new attack vectors. 4. Use reverse proxies or API gateways that correctly handle Transfer-Encoding headers: Employ intermediaries known to be resilient against HTTP Request Smuggling to shield backend Node.js servers. 5. Conduct penetration testing and code reviews: Regularly test web applications for HTTP Request Smuggling vulnerabilities and review code handling HTTP requests to identify potential weaknesses. 6. Implement strict logging and anomaly detection: Monitor HTTP traffic for irregularities in request parsing and unexpected request sequences that may indicate exploitation attempts. 7. Isolate critical services: Segment network and application layers to limit the impact of a successful attack and prevent lateral movement within the infrastructure.