CVE-2026-44119: Apache HTTP Server 2.4.67 .htaccess Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Technical summary

CVE-2026-44119 is an improper privilege management flaw (CWE-269) in Apache HTTP Server up to and including version 2.4.67. The vulnerability stems from inadequate restrictions on privilege escalation when processing .htaccess directives. A local user with .htaccess authoring privileges can craft directives that cause the httpd process to read files outside its intended scope using the elevated privileges of the web server daemon user. The CVSS 3.1 score of 5.5 (MEDIUM) reflects the local attack vector, low complexity, and requirement for low-level privileges, balanced against high confidentiality impact and no integrity or availability impact.

Business impact

This vulnerability poses a confidentiality risk to organizations running Apache HTTP Server in shared hosting environments or systems where multiple users have .htaccess modification rights. Attackers could exfiltrate sensitive files such as application source code, configuration files containing credentials, or private data accessible to the web server user. The impact is contained to information disclosure; the vulnerability does not enable file modification or denial of service. Organizations should prioritize this based on whether .htaccess files are editable by untrusted local users and the sensitivity of data readable by the httpd process.

Affected systems

Apache HTTP Server versions from 2.4.0 through 2.4.67 are affected. The vulnerability is local in nature and requires an attacker to have local system access and the ability to create or modify .htaccess files. Shared hosting providers, development environments, and systems with multiple local user accounts should be considered at heightened risk. Apache HTTP Server 2.4.68 and later contain the fix.

Exploitability

Exploitation requires local system access and the ability to author or modify .htaccess files within a web-accessible directory. This is not remotely exploitable. The attack surface is limited to environments where untrusted users have such file modification capabilities. The CVSS vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N) indicates low attack complexity once initial access is obtained, but the requirement for local presence and low privileges reduces practical exploitability in many production environments. This vulnerability is not listed on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

Remediation

Organizations should upgrade Apache HTTP Server to version 2.4.68 or later, which resolves the improper privilege management flaw. For environments unable to patch immediately, restrict .htaccess file modification rights to trusted administrators only. Review and audit which users have permission to create or edit .htaccess files in web-accessible directories. Consider implementing additional file access controls at the operating system level to limit what the httpd user can read.

Patch guidance

Upgrade to Apache HTTP Server 2.4.68 or later according to your deployment model (distribution packages, compiled source, or containerized images). Test the upgrade in a staging environment to verify compatibility with custom modules and configurations. Monitor for any behavioral changes in application file access patterns post-upgrade. Coordinate patching with your change management process and schedule maintenance windows as required by your environment.

Detection guidance

Monitor for suspicious .htaccess file creation or modification events, particularly by low-privilege users. Enable audit logging on the web server and file system to track .htaccess changes. Review web server error and access logs for unusual file read patterns or 403/404 responses that might indicate failed exploitation attempts. Check file integrity monitoring tools for unexpected changes to .htaccess files in production. Inventory systems running Apache HTTP Server 2.4.67 or earlier to prioritize patching efforts.

Why prioritize this

Although rated MEDIUM severity with a CVSS score of 5.5, prioritization depends on your specific environment. Prioritize patching if: (1) you operate shared hosting or multi-tenant environments where untrusted users modify .htaccess files, (2) sensitive data is readable by the httpd user (credentials, private keys, source code), or (3) you have compliance requirements around data confidentiality. Lower priority in controlled environments where .htaccess modification is restricted to trusted administrators. The lack of active exploitation (not on KEV) suggests this is not yet a widespread attack vector in the wild.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 5.5 reflects a local-only attack vector with low complexity and low privilege requirements, resulting in high confidentiality impact but no integrity or availability impact. The score appropriately captures that while this is a real and exploitable flaw, its impact is confined to information disclosure in local attack scenarios. Context-specific risk depends on your .htaccess authoring model and the sensitivity of files accessible to the httpd user.

Frequently asked questions