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What is Host header in IIS?
Host headers enable you to publish multiple domain names or websites to a single IP address. This allows a web administrator to run several sites on a single IP. It also allows a single website to have multiple names resolve for it, such as website1.com and www.website1.com.
Can Host header be spoofed?
It allows for domain-based virtual hosting, where websites on multiple domains are hosted on a single web server. It is trivial to spoof HTTP requests and the Host header is no exception. In some cases, using a spoofed Host header can be used to bypass filters that block traffic based on the content of this header.
What is the use of Host header?
The Host request header specifies the host and port number of the server to which the request is being sent. If no port is included, the default port for the service requested (e.g., 443 for an HTTPS URL, and 80 for an HTTP URL) is implied. A Host header field must be sent in all HTTP/1.1 request messages.
Is the host header required?
HTTP 1.1 requires the Host field. None of the HTTP Headers are required in an HTTP/1.0 Request. There are no required Response headers either.
What can be done with a host header attack?
Host header attacks may be used for web cache poisoning and attacks such as password reset poisoning. Web cache poisoning lets an attacker serve poisoned content to anyone who requests pages. Using password reset poisoning, the attacker can obtain a password reset token and reset another user’s password.
Can a host header attack affect a password reset?
This type of attack can affect password reset forms and X-Forwarded-Host header as well. For more information about Host Header Attack, visit Reference 1, Reference 2, Reference 3, and Reference 4. Your security scan tool may flag Host Header related findings as a vulnerability.
How to check for malicious host headers in IIS?
You can use URL Rewrite rules in IIS to find malicious host headers. Perform the steps below: Select “ Blank rule ”. Click “ OK ” In “ Match URL ” section, enter (.) in “ Pattern ” field Select “ Does Not Match the Pattern ” option from “ Check if input string ” list
Can a host header attack lead to cache poisoning?
In the absence of host header validation, certain implementations can lead to cache poisoning attacks, allowing attackers to potentially compromise sensitive data. Please also refer to the “Insufficient Cache Control Headers” finding Have you received a warning about usage of HTTP TRACK or TRACE headers in your web server?