Findings

CVE-2021-42013

Apache HTTP Server Path Traversal Vulnerability

Published Oct 7, 2021 · updated Jun 16, 2026 · apache http server

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.

Timeline

Detection, updates, and resolution for this record.

  1. Oct 7, 2021 · Catalog

    Detected

    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 the

  2. Nov 3, 2021 · CISA KEV

    Known exploited

    Apply updates per vendor instructions.

  3. Nov 17, 2021 · CISA KEV

    Remediation due

    Apply updates per vendor instructions.

  4. Jun 16, 2026 · Catalog

    Updated

    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 the

Required action

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

CISA due date Nov 17, 2021

Affected

  • cpe apache/http server2.4.49
  • cpe apache/http server2.4.50
  • cpe fedoraproject/fedora34
  • cpe fedoraproject/fedora35
  • cpe netapp/cloud backupversion unspecified
  • cpe oracle/instantis enterprisetrack17.1
  • cpe oracle/instantis enterprisetrack17.2
  • cpe oracle/instantis enterprisetrack17.3
  • cpe oracle/jd edwards enterpriseone toolsversion unspecified
  • vendor Apache HTTP Serverversion unspecified

Sources

  • CISA KEVCVE-2021-42013

    Apache HTTP Server contains a path traversal vulnerability that allows an attacker to perform remote code execution if files outside directories configured by Alias-like directives are not under default require all denied or if CGI scripts are enabled. This CVE ID resolves an incomplete patch for CVE-2021-41773.

    cisa.gov
  • CVE.orgCVE-2021-42013

    Official CVE identifier

    cve.org
  • FIRST EPSSCVE-2021-42013

    30-day exploitation probability 100.0%

    first.org
  • Public archive entry. The exploit body is not stored here.

    exploit-db.com
  • Public archive entry. The exploit body is not stored here.

    exploit-db.com
  • Public archive entry. The exploit body is not stored here.

    exploit-db.com
  • Metasploit Modulesauxiliary_scanner/http/apache_normalize_path

    Public module reference (normal). Module source is not copied into this catalog.

    rapid7.com
  • Metasploit Modulesexploit_multi/http/apache_normalize_path_rce

    Public module reference (excellent). Module source is not copied into this catalog.

    rapid7.com
  • NIST NVDCVE-2021-42013

    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 t

    nvd.nist.gov

References