CVE-2022-32214 is a vulnerability classified as HTTP Request Smuggling (CWE-444) affecting the llhttp parser used in the http module of Node.js. Specifically, versions prior to v14.20.1, v16.17.1, and v18.9.1 are impacted. The root cause lies in the parser's failure to strictly enforce the CRLF (Carriage Return Line Feed) sequence as the delimiter between HTTP requests. Instead, the parser accepts non-standard delimiters, which can be exploited by an attacker to craft specially malformed HTTP requests that are interpreted differently by front-end proxies and back-end servers. This discrepancy enables HTTP Request Smuggling attacks, where an attacker can smuggle a malicious HTTP request through a front-end server to the back-end server, bypassing security controls, causing request desynchronization, and potentially leading to request hijacking, cache poisoning, web cache deception, or cross-site scripting (XSS). The vulnerability affects a wide range of Node.js versions starting from 4.0 up to 18.0, covering many legacy and current deployments. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the nature of HTTP Request Smuggling vulnerabilities historically has made them attractive for attackers targeting web infrastructure. The vulnerability does not require authentication but does require the attacker to be able to send crafted HTTP requests to the vulnerable server. The scope includes any Node.js applications or services using the affected http module versions, which are common in web servers, APIs, and microservices architectures. No official patch links are provided in the data, but the fixed versions are indicated (>= v14.20.1, v16.17.1, v18.9.1).

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, especially for those relying heavily on Node.js for web applications, APIs, and microservices. HTTP Request Smuggling can lead to bypassing security controls such as Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) and reverse proxies, enabling attackers to perform unauthorized actions like session hijacking, cache poisoning, and data leakage. This can compromise confidentiality by exposing sensitive data, integrity by manipulating requests or responses, and availability by causing server desynchronization or denial of service. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and government, which often use Node.js for scalable web services, could face reputational damage, regulatory penalties (e.g., GDPR violations), and operational disruptions. The lack of known exploits in the wild suggests a window of opportunity for proactive mitigation, but also means attackers may develop exploits in the future. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require authentication but does require network access to the vulnerable HTTP endpoints, making externally facing services particularly at risk. Given the widespread adoption of Node.js in Europe, the potential attack surface is broad, and the impact can cascade through supply chains and interconnected services.

1. Upgrade Node.js to the fixed versions: v14.20.1 or later, v16.17.1 or later, and v18.9.1 or later. This is the most effective mitigation to eliminate the vulnerability. 2. Conduct an inventory of all Node.js instances and services to identify those running affected versions, including containerized and serverless deployments. 3. Implement strict input validation and HTTP header sanitization at the application level to detect and block malformed or suspicious HTTP requests. 4. Deploy or update Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) and reverse proxies with rules specifically designed to detect HTTP Request Smuggling patterns, focusing on CRLF injection and request boundary anomalies. 5. Monitor HTTP traffic logs for irregularities such as unexpected request lengths, duplicated headers, or inconsistent request parsing behavior. 6. Segment network architecture to limit exposure of vulnerable services, restricting access to trusted sources where possible. 7. Educate development and operations teams about HTTP Request Smuggling risks and encourage secure coding practices around HTTP request handling. 8. Perform penetration testing and security assessments targeting HTTP request parsing to validate the effectiveness of mitigations. 9. Stay informed on updates from Node.js security advisories and apply patches promptly when released.