CVE-2010-2884 is a vulnerability that affects the way in which certain versions of the Apache HTTP Server handle requests for Range headers. This vulnerability can allow remote attackers to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) attack by sending specially crafted HTTP requests. The vulnerability was first reported in August 2010, and it affected Apache HTTP Server versions 1.3.x and 2.0.x.
When the vulnerability was first reported, Apache released a patch that addressed the issue. However, some users failed to apply the patch, leaving their systems vulnerable to attack. In September 2011, a botnet called "Itspunk" was discovered that was exploiting this vulnerability to launch DoS attacks against websites running vulnerable versions of Apache HTTP Server. The botnet was estimated to have infected more than 20,000 web servers and was able to generate traffic volumes of up to 8 Gbps.
To prevent exploitation of CVE-2010-2884, it is important to keep systems up-to-date with the latest security patches and to follow best practices for securing web servers. Additionally, network administrators should be vigilant for signs of unusual network activity, such as spikes in bandwidth usage or unusual patterns of incoming traffic, which may indicate an ongoing attack. By taking these steps, organizations can reduce the risk of being impacted by vulnerabilities like CVE-2010-2884.