[KEV] Path Traversal in Apache Http Server (CVE-2021-42013)
Summary
Path traversal in Apache Http Server (CVE-2021-42013). Successful exploitation can lead to full system takeover. Listed in CISA KEV — actively exploited.
Original description
The description as published by the source.
It was found that the fix for CVE-2021-41773 in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.50 was insufficient. 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 only affects Apache 2.4.49 and Apache 2.4.50 and not earlier versions.
Auto-generated summary
Assembled by SecPulse from the source data (CVSS, CWE, affected versions) using templates — no AI involved. Check the original description and references below for exact details.
A vulnerability tracked as CVE-2021-42013 has been found in Apache Http Server.
Successful exploitation can lead to full system takeover.
Note: CISA has officially confirmed this is actively exploited in the wild. Treat it with elevated urgency.
What to do: apply the vendor's official patched release.
If unsure, ask your IT team or search "Apache Http Server CVE-2021-42013" on the vendor's site.
CVE-2021-42013 (Apache Http Server) — CWE-22
Attack vector: remote (network-reachable) / unauthenticated / no user interaction
Listed in CISA KEV — actively exploited, treat as top priority.
Plan: 1) Audit SBOM/dependencies, 2) Stage→prod upgrade, 3) Add WAF/proxy monitoring on affected endpoints, 4) Hunt IOCs in logs.
Refs: see the GHSA / vendor advisory / patched release linked on this page.
Path traversal (CWE-22) exists in Apache Http Server.
Check the vendor advisory for the affected versions of Apache Http Server.
Severity: High. Successful exploitation can lead to full system takeover. Listed in CISA KEV — actively exploited in the wild, treat as top priority.
Update to the patched release per vendor advisory.
Until the patch is applied: disable the affected feature, apply WAF rules, or restrict access via network ACLs.
Search webserver/proxy logs for unusual request patterns matching this CVE's known IOCs. Audit SBOM/dependencies to find affected services.
Response actions
Concrete steps and command examples for SOC/SRE teams to execute in order
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1Identify exposure identify
Audit SBOM/dependencies for affected components.資産台帳・SBOM・依存マニフェストで Apache Http Server を使っているサービスとバージョンを洗い出す。
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2Consider incident declaration escalate
Notify SOC / on-callCISA KEV登録済 = 実環境で悪用が観測されている。侵入の兆候があればインシデント対応宣言、無くてもパッチ適用までWAF強化を最優先で。
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3Post-deployment verification verify
Confirm patched version is live in productionパッチ適用後、ステージングで PoC または同等の悪用パターンを再現して脆弱性が閉じたことを確認。本番ではアクセスログ・WAF でアラート再発が無いか継続監視。
Affected packages
Fix status by distribution
Fixed packages published by each distribution for this CVE
- Alpine Linux ALPINE-CVE-2021-42013 apache2 Fixed in: 2.4.51-r0
- Debian DEBIAN-CVE-2021-42013 apache2 Fixed in: 2.4.51-1
References
- advisory jvn.jp
- advisory packetstormsecurity.com
- advisory openwall.com
- advisory openwall.com
- advisory openwall.com
- advisory openwall.com
- advisory openwall.com
- advisory openwall.com
- advisory openwall.com
- advisory openwall.com
- advisory openwall.com
- advisory openwall.com
- advisory openwall.com
- advisory httpd.apache.org
- advisory security.gentoo.org
- advisory security.netapp.com
- advisory tools.cisco.com
- advisory oracle.com
- advisory oracle.com
- advisory packetstormsecurity.com
- advisory packetstormsecurity.com
- advisory packetstormsecurity.com
- advisory packetstormsecurity.com
- advisory packetstormsecurity.com
- advisory povilaika.com
- patch lists.apache.org
- web nvd.nist.gov
- web cisa.gov
- web lists.fedoraproject.org
- web lists.fedoraproject.org
- web lists.apache.org
- web lists.apache.org