Echo is a Go web framework. From 4.0.0 until 4.16.1, Echo v4s opt-in BodyDump middleware reads complete request bodies into memory before handlers run and retains complete response bodies for the dump callback without capture limits. An unauthenticated client that can reach a route using BodyDump can submit large bodies or influence large responses, causing repeated or concurrent allocations that exhaust process memory. BodyDump is not enabled by default, and external request limits may reduce request-side exposure but do not bound response capture. This issue is fixed in 4.16.1.
The product does not properly control the allocation and maintenance of a limited resource.
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.