CVE-2021-41773
Apache HTTP Server Path Traversal
- Published5 Oct 2021
- Added to CISA KEV3 Nov 2021
- Remediation due17 Nov 2021
Description
A flaw was found in a change made to path normalization in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.49. An attacker could use a path traversal attack to map URLs to files outside the directories configured by Alias-like directives. If files outside of these directories are not protected by the usual default configuration "require all denied", these requests can succeed. If CGI scripts are also enabled for these aliased pathes, this could allow for remote code execution. This issue is known to be exploited in the wild. This issue only affects Apache 2.4.49 and not earlier versions. The fix in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.50 was found to be incomplete, see CVE-2021-42013.
CVSS 3.1 breakdown
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HAffected products
Remediation
No fixed version is recorded in the NVD data. Check the vendor advisory for the latest guidance.
- https://httpd.apache.org/security/vulnerabilities_24.html
- https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r17a4c6ce9aff662efd9459e9d1850ab4a611cb23392fc68264c72cb3%40%3Ccvs.httpd.apache.org%3E
- https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpujan2022.html
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/10/11/4
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/10/15/3
References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/164418/Apache-HTTP-Server-2.4.49-Path-Traversal.html
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/164418/Apache-HTTP-Server-2.4.49-Path-Traversal-Remote-Code-Execution.html
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/164629/Apache-2.4.49-2.4.50-Traversal-Remote-Code-Execution.html
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/164941/Apache-HTTP-Server-2.4.50-Remote-Code-Execution.html
- https://httpd.apache.org/security/vulnerabilities_24.html
- https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r17a4c6ce9aff662efd9459e9d1850ab4a611cb23392fc68264c72cb3%40%3Ccvs.httpd.apache.org%3E
- https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r6abf5f2ba6f1aa8b1030f95367aaf17660c4e4c78cb2338aee18982f%40%3Cusers.httpd.apache.org%3E
- https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r7c795cd45a3384d4d27e57618a215b0ed19cb6ca8eb070061ad5d837%40%3Cannounce.apache.org%3E
- https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r98d704ed4377ed889d40479db79ed1ee2f43b2ebdd79ce84b042df45%40%3Cannounce.apache.org%3E
- https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/rb5b0e46f179f60b0c70204656bc52fcb558e961cb4d06a971e9e3efb%40%3Cusers.httpd.apache.org%3E
and 20 more references
Related CVEs
Recent high-severity vulnerabilities sharing a weakness type.
Frequently asked
Is CVE-2021-41773 being actively exploited?
Yes. CVE-2021-41773 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, added 3 Nov 2021. It has been used in ransomware campaigns.
How severe is CVE-2021-41773?
CVE-2021-41773 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, rated critical. EPSS estimates a 100.0% probability of exploitation.
Which products are affected by CVE-2021-41773?
Affected products include Apache HTTP Server, Netapp Cloud Backup, Oracle Instantis Enterprisetrack, Fedoraproject Fedora.
How do I fix CVE-2021-41773?
Apply the vendor's patch or advisory guidance, then verify no affected versions remain across your devices.
How Secuno handles this
Secuno correlates vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-41773 against the real software inventory on every managed device, as each hourly inventory arrives. Rather than a static severity, each match is scored in context: exploit availability, EPSS, the asset's exposure, and business criticality decide where it lands in the queue. Because it is on the CISA KEV list, a risk for it never ranks below high, and the update that fixes it moves to the Emergency patch lane. If an affected version is present anywhere across your portfolio, it surfaces automatically with a prioritised remediation path.
Data from the NVD, CISA KEV catalog and FIRST EPSS. CVSS 3.1 base score shown where available.