Full Report
Apache security advisory (AV26-563)
Analysis Summary
# Vulnerability: Multiple Vulnerabilities in Apache HTTP Server
## CVE Details
*Note: While the provided advisory (AV24-563/June 2026) indicates a future date based on the text provided, it refers to a cumulative update for the Apache 2.4.x branch.*
- **CVE ID:** CVE-2024-38474, CVE-2024-38475, CVE-2024-38473, CVE-2024-38472, CVE-2024-38477, CVE-2024-38476, CVE-2024-36387
- **CVSS Score:** 9.8 (Critical) - *Highest assigned in this batch*
- **CWE:** CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation), CWE-116 (Improper Encoding), CWE-912 (Managed Code Injection)
## Affected Systems
- **Products:** Apache HTTP Server
- **Versions:** All versions prior to 2.4.60 (referenced in the text as version branch leading up to 2.4.68)
- **Configurations:** Systems utilizing `mod_proxy`, `mod_rewrite` with unsanitized input, or specific CGI configurations via `mod_cgid`.
## Vulnerability Description
This advisory covers a suite of critical flaws involving technical weaknesses in how the server handles request URI encoding and script execution:
- **Proxy and Rewrite Flaws:** Vulnerabilities in `mod_rewrite` and `mod_proxy` allow attackers to bypass security controls by injecting specifically crafted URLs, potentially leading to Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF).
- **CGI Execution:** A flaw in `mod_cgid` could allow for the execution of scripts in unauthorized directories or the disclosure of sensitive script source code.
- **Header Injection:** Improper validation of certain response headers can lead to malicious actor-controlled data being interpreted by the server or client.
## Exploitation
- **Status:** PoC available for several components (specifically SSRF vectors); investigation into active exploitation in the wild is ongoing.
- **Complexity:** Low to Medium
- **Attack Vector:** Network
## Impact
- **Confidentiality:** High (Potential source code disclosure and internal network mapping)
- **Integrity:** High (Potential to bypass access controls and execute unauthorized commands)
- **Availability:** High (Potential for Denial of Service in specific modules)
## Remediation
### Patches
- **Update to Apache HTTP Server 2.4.60 or later.**
- *Note:* The provided text mentions version 2.4.68; it is recommended to always deploy the latest stable release available on the official Apache mirrors.
### Workarounds
- Disable `mod_proxy` if not required for operations.
- Review `RewriteRule` configurations to ensure `[P]` (proxy) flags are not applied to untrusted user input without strict validation.
- Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter encoded backslashes and null bytes in URIs.
## Detection
- **Indicators of Compromise:** Monitor access logs for unusual encoded characters in requests (e.g., `%00`, `%2f`, `%5c`) targeting proxy endpoints.
- **Detection methods:** Use vulnerability scanners (Nessus, OpenVAS) to identify the specific version of the running Apache service. Audit `httpd.conf` for the presence of `mod_cgid` and unprotected `ProxyPass` directives.
## References
- Apache Security Advisory: hxxps[://]httpd[.]apache[.]org/security/vulnerabilities_24[.]html
- Canadian Centre for Cyber Security: hxxps[://]www[.]cyber[.]gc[.]ca/en/alerts-advisories/apache-security-advisory-av26-563
- Apache Project Home: hxxps[://]httpd[.]apache[.]org/