How to remediate – Apache CouchDB Detection

Contents

1. Introduction

The remote server is running Apache CouchDB, a document-oriented database system written in Erlang. This software stores data in JSON documents and is often used for applications needing flexible schemas. A vulnerable instance could allow unauthorized access to sensitive information. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability may be impacted if exploited.

2. Technical Explanation

The remote server is running CouchDB, a document-oriented database system written in Erlang. This detection does not indicate an active exploit but highlights the presence of the software which could be subject to known vulnerabilities. Attackers may attempt to access or modify data stored within the database if security measures are inadequate.

Root cause: The server is running CouchDB, a potentially vulnerable service.
Exploit mechanism: An attacker would attempt to exploit known vulnerabilities in CouchDB to gain unauthorized access.
Scope: All systems running Apache CouchDB are affected.

3. Detection and Assessment

Quick checks: Use the following command to check for the CouchDB service: curl -X GET http://localhost:5984/_version. A successful response indicates CouchDB is running.
Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 10367 can detect Apache CouchDB instances. This is an example only.
Logs and evidence: Check system logs for processes named ‘couchdb’ or related Erlang processes.

curl -X GET http://localhost:5984/_version

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

4.1 Preparation

Call out dependencies or pre-requisites: Stop the CouchDB service if possible to prevent data modification during remediation. A roll back plan involves restoring from the earlier backup.
Mention change window needs and who should approve, if relevant: Coordinate with system owners for a planned maintenance window.

4.2 Implementation

Step 1: Stop the CouchDB service using your operating system’s service management tools (e.g., systemctl stop couchdb on Linux).
Step 2: If CouchDB is not required, uninstall it from the system. Use your package manager (e.g., apt remove couchdb or yum remove couchdb).
Step 3: If CouchDB is required, update to the latest version using your package manager.

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

# CouchDB service running (example)
systemctl status couchdb

After

# CouchDB service stopped or uninstalled
systemctl stop couchdb
# OR
apt remove couchdb

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

Implement security practices that directly address the risks associated with running database services.

Practice 1: Least privilege – Run CouchDB with a dedicated user account having minimal permissions.
Practice 2: Patch cadence – Regularly update CouchDB to the latest version to address known vulnerabilities.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

# Example Ansible task to stop CouchDB service
- name: Stop CouchDB service
  service:
    name: couchdb
    state: stopped
  become: true

5. Verification / Validation

Confirm that the fix has been applied successfully and that CouchDB is no longer running or is updated to a secure version.

Post-fix check: Run curl -X GET http://localhost:5984/_version. A connection error indicates the service is stopped, or a different version string confirms an update.
Re-test: Re-run the initial detection command to verify that CouchDB is no longer exposed.
Monitoring: Monitor system logs for any errors related to CouchDB or Erlang processes.

curl -X GET http://localhost:5984/_version

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Implement preventive measures to reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Baselines: Update security baselines or policies to include regular patching for database services.
Asset and patch process: Establish a sensible patch review cycle that fits the risk profile of your organization.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

Risk or side effect 1: Stopping or uninstalling CouchDB may disrupt applications that rely on it.
Risk or side effect 2: Updating CouchDB may introduce compatibility issues with existing applications.

8. References and Resources

Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://couchdb.apache.org/

Updated on October 26, 2025

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