python-multipart is a streaming multipart parser for Python. When using form data, python-multipart uses a Regular Expression to parse the HTTP Content-Type header, including options. An attacker could send a custom-made Content-Type option that is very difficult for the RegEx to process, consuming CPU resources and stalling indefinitely (minutes or more) while holding the main event loop. This means that process cant handle any more requests, leading to regular expression denial of service. This vulnerability has been patched in version 0.0.7.
The product does not properly control the allocation and maintenance of a limited resource.
| Name | Vendor | Start Version | End Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Python-multipart | Fastapiexpert | * | 0.0.7 (excluding) |
| Python-multipart | Ubuntu | mantic | * |
| Python-multipart | Ubuntu | oracular | * |
Mitigation of resource exhaustion attacks requires that the target system either:
The first of these solutions is an issue in itself though, since it may allow attackers to prevent the use of the system by a particular valid user. If the attacker impersonates the valid user, they may be able to prevent the user from accessing the server in question.
The second solution is simply difficult to effectively institute – and even when properly done, it does not provide a full solution. It simply makes the attack require more resources on the part of the attacker.