Multiple Apache HTTP Server Vulnerabilities Could Enable Code Execution Attacks
Apache HTTP Server 2.4.69 patches 20 flaws, including limited code execution and WebDAV crash risks.
The Apache Software Foundation released Apache HTTP Server 2.4.69 on October 1, 2026, fixing 20 vulnerabilities that mostly affect versions 2.4.0 through 2.4.68. Five are rated moderate and 15 low, with impact depending on enabled modules and configuration. CVE-2026-63292 in mod_vhost_alias can crash the server or potentially execute code via an oversized Host header, but only when VirtualDocumentRoot uses a hostname specifier and LimitRequestFieldSize is raised. CVE-2026-93546 lets an authenticated WebDAV client crash workers and corrupt a directory property database. No in-the-wild exploitation is reported.
- Apache HTTP Server 2.4.69 fixes 20 flaws: five moderate, 15 low.
- CVE-2026-63292 needs non-default virtual-host and field-size settings.
- CVE-2026-42356 allows limited CGI execution after internal redirects.
- WebDAV flaws can crash workers and corrupt property databases.
- Administrators should upgrade and review affected module configurations.
Vulnerabilities mentionedAll →
- CVE-2026-561549.8—Use-after-free in Apache HTTP Server mod_rewritepublished · Apache Software Foundation Apache HTTP Server+19 related
| CVE | Vulnerability | CVSS | EPSS | Flags | Affected | Exposure | Published |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVE-2026-56154 |
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The Apache Software Foundation released Apache HTTP Server 2.4.69 on October 1, 2026, addressing security flaws that could enable code execution, server crashes, data leaks, and authentication bypass under specific conditions. Apache identifies the update as the best available release of its web server.
The supplied advisory lists 20 vulnerabilities: five rated moderate and 15 rated low. Most affect versions 2.4.0 through 2.4.68, but exposure depends on enabled modules, server settings, and attacker access. The code execution risks have important limits and should not be treated as affecting every Apache installation.
Apache HTTP Server Vulnerabilities
CVE-2026-63292 affects mod_vhost_alias. A remote client could crash the server or potentially execute code through a Host header exceeding 8,192 bytes. Exploitation requires VirtualDocumentRoot to use a hostname format specifier and LimitRequestFieldSize to be raised above its default.
CVE-2026-42356 involves Apache selecting the wrong handler after certain internal redirects from CGI programs. The redirected file could be executed as CGI, but it must already exist in a CGI-enabled directory and lack an extension recognized by mod_mime. Versions 2.4.60 through 2.4.68 are affected.
These conditions matter: neither flaw establishes unrestricted code execution against default deployments. Earlier Apache HTTP Server code execution coverage examined a separate HTTP/2 double-free flaw fixed in version 2.4.67.
The following table summarizes the supplied advisory. Unless shown otherwise, affected versions are 2.4.0–2.4.68; all listed fixes are included in 2.4.69.
| CVE | Module or component | Severity | Vulnerability or impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVE-2026-42356 | CGI handling | Low | Limited code execution; 2.4.60–2.4.68. |
| CVE-2026-42528 | mod_dav | Moderate | Shared-lock overflow crashes child processes; through 2.4.68.* |
| CVE-2026-46729 | mod_heartmonitor | Low | Null pointer crash on unicast listener |
| CVE-2026-47360 | mod_session_cookie | Low | Session cookies reach backend after redirects. |
| CVE-2026-48005 | mod_auth_digest | Low | Forged headers force reauthentication |
| CVE-2026-56153 | mod_charset_lite | Low | Heap overflow in finish_partial_char |
| CVE-2026-56154 | mod_rewrite | Low | Use-after-free during lookahead |
| CVE-2026-56449 | mod_proxy_html | Low | Crafted response causes out-of-bounds write |
| CVE-2026-57941 | mod_http2 | Moderate | Shared-buffer use-after-free and memory write |
| CVE-2026-58415 | mod_dav_fs | Low | WebDAV property database disclosure |
| CVE-2026-59685 | Windows path handling | Moderate | Out-of-bounds write expanding short filenames. |
| CVE-2026-59797 | mod_ssl | Low | Privilege handling flaw in SSLRequire expressions. |
| CVE-2026-63045 | mod_proxy_ftp | Low | Crafted PASV reply redirects data connections. |
| CVE-2026-63292 | mod_vhost_alias | Moderate | Stack overflow; crashes or possible code execution. |
| CVE-2026-63686 | mod_xml2enc | Low | Failed charset conversion crashes proxy processing. |
| CVE-2026-63718 | mod_proxy_uwsgi | Low | Response smuggling; 2.4.30–2.4.68 |
| CVE-2026-73636 | mod_auth_digest | Low | Captured authentication credentials can be replayed |
| CVE-2026-73637 | mod_auth_digest | Low | Concurrent requests corrupt authentication state |
| CVE-2026-79768 | mod_userdir | Low | Information disclosure through path equivalence. |
| CVE-2026-93546 | mod_dav_fs | Moderate | Namespace overflow; crashes and database corruption; through 2.4.68. |
WebDAV users face availability and data risks. CVE-2026-93546 lets an authenticated client with write access crash workers and persistently corrupt a directory’s property database through PROPPATCH requests declaring many XML namespaces.
Proxy configurations also need attention. CVE-2026-63045 lets an untrusted FTP server direct a forward proxy’s data connection toward another host. CVE-2026-47360 can pass session cookies to a backend despite intended removal during internal redirects.
Administrators should upgrade to Apache HTTP Server 2.4.69, as the published CVE records recommend, and review whether the affected configurations are present.
Prioritize servers using the vulnerable virtual-host settings, CGI redirects, or WebDAV features. Check the Apache security advisory alongside individual CVE records for affected-version details and any later corrections. Apache notes that security impact can vary between platforms.
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Guru Baranhttps://cybersecuritynews.com
Gurubaran KS is a cybersecurity analyst, and Journalist with a strong focus on emerging threats and digital defense strategies. He is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Cyber Security News, where he leads editorial coverage on global cybersecurity developments.