📄 Description (English)
Apache HTTP Server Path Traversal Vulnerability — 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. The original patch issued under this CVE ID is insufficient, please review remediation information under CVE-2021-42013.
🤖 AI Executive Summary
Apache HTTP Server versions prior to 2.4.50 contain a critical path traversal vulnerability (CVE-2021-41773) enabling remote code execution through improper handling of Alias directives and CGI script execution. This vulnerability has active exploits in the wild and poses an immediate threat to web-facing infrastructure across Saudi Arabia. Organizations must apply patches immediately as the initial fix was incomplete; CVE-2021-42013 provides the comprehensive remediation.
📄 Description (Arabic)
🤖 AI Intelligence Analysis Analyzed: Apr 21, 2026 09:13
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Impact Assessment
Critical impact across multiple Saudi sectors: Banking and financial institutions (SAMA-regulated) face direct threats to online banking platforms and payment gateways; Government agencies and NCA-regulated entities risk unauthorized access to sensitive systems; Healthcare providers (MOH) could experience service disruption and data breaches; Energy sector (ARAMCO, SEC) critical infrastructure exposed; Telecommunications (STC, Mobily, Zain) backbone services at risk. E-commerce platforms and digital transformation initiatives across all sectors are vulnerable. The vulnerability affects any organization running Apache HTTP Server with CGI enabled or improperly configured Alias directives.
🏢 Affected Saudi Sectors
Banking and Financial Services
Government and Public Administration
Healthcare
Energy and Utilities
Telecommunications
E-commerce and Retail
Education
Transportation
🎯 MITRE ATT&CK Techniques
⚖️ Saudi Risk Score (AI)
9.2
/ 10.0
🔧 Remediation Steps (English)
IMMEDIATE ACTIONS:
1. Identify all Apache HTTP Server instances in your environment (versions < 2.4.50)
2. Disable CGI execution immediately if not required: comment out LoadModule cgid_module and LoadModule cgi_module in httpd.conf
3. Review and restrict Alias directives to ensure proper access controls
PATCHING GUIDANCE:
1. Upgrade Apache HTTP Server to version 2.4.50 or later immediately
2. Apply the comprehensive patch from CVE-2021-42013 (not the initial CVE-2021-41773 patch)
3. Test patches in non-production environment first
4. Implement staged rollout across production systems
COMPENSATING CONTROLS (if immediate patching not possible):
1. Implement strict firewall rules limiting access to Apache ports (80/443) to trusted networks only
2. Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules blocking path traversal patterns (../, ..\, %2e%2e)
3. Configure 'require all denied' for all Alias-mapped directories
4. Disable directory listing and symbolic link following
5. Implement strict input validation and output encoding
DETECTION RULES:
1. Monitor for HTTP requests containing: ../, ..\, %2e%2e, %252e, encoded path traversal sequences
2. Alert on CGI script execution from unexpected paths
3. Monitor Apache error logs for 'Malformed request' and 'Invalid URI' errors
4. Track failed access attempts to directories outside configured Alias paths
5. Implement IDS/IPS signatures for CVE-2021-41773 exploitation attempts
🔧 خطوات المعالجة (العربية)
الإجراءات الفورية:
1. تحديد جميع مثيلات خادم Apache HTTP في بيئتك (الإصدارات < 2.4.50)
2. تعطيل تنفيذ CGI فوراً إذا لم يكن مطلوباً: قم بتعليق LoadModule cgid_module و LoadModule cgi_module في httpd.conf
3. مراجعة وتقييد توجيهات Alias لضمان عناصر التحكم في الوصول المناسبة
إرشادات التصحيح:
1. ترقية خادم Apache HTTP إلى الإصدار 2.4.50 أو أحدث فوراً
2. تطبيق التصحيح الشامل من CVE-2021-42013 (وليس تصحيح CVE-2021-41773 الأولي)
3. اختبار التصحيحات في بيئة غير الإنتاج أولاً
4. تنفيذ طرح مرحلي عبر أنظمة الإنتاج
عناصر التحكم البديلة (إذا لم يكن التصحيح الفوري ممكناً):
1. تنفيذ قواعد جدار الحماية الصارمة التي تحد من الوصول إلى منافذ Apache (80/443) إلى الشبكات الموثوقة فقط
2. نشر قواعد جدار تطبيقات الويب (WAF) لحجب أنماط اجتياز المسارات (../, ..\, %2e%2e)
3. تكوين 'require all denied' لجميع الدلائل المعينة بـ Alias
4. تعطيل قائمة الدلائل ومتابعة الروابط الرمزية
5. تنفيذ التحقق الصارم من المدخلات وترميز المخرجات
قواعد الكشف:
1. مراقبة طلبات HTTP التي تحتوي على: ../, ..\, %2e%2e, %252e، تسلسلات اجتياز المسارات المشفرة
2. التنبيه على تنفيذ سكريبتات CGI من مسارات غير متوقعة
3. مراقبة سجلات خطأ Apache للأخطاء 'Malformed request' و 'Invalid URI'
4. تتبع محاولات الوصول الفاشلة إلى الدلائل خارج مسارات Alias المكونة
5. تنفيذ توقيعات IDS/IPS لمحاولات استغلال CVE-2021-41773
📋 Regulatory Compliance Mapping
🟢 NCA ECC 2024
A.5.1.1 - Information security policies and procedures
A.8.1.1 - User access management and authentication
A.12.2.1 - Change management procedures
A.12.6.1 - Management of technical vulnerabilities
🔵 SAMA CSF
ID.BE-1 - Business objectives and strategies
PR.AC-1 - Access control policy and procedures
PR.PT-1 - Security awareness and training
DE.CM-8 - Vulnerability scans
🟡 ISO 27001:2022
A.12.6.1 - Management of technical vulnerabilities
A.14.2.1 - Secure development policy
A.12.2.1 - Change management
A.5.2.1 - Information security responsibilities
🟣 PCI DSS v4.0
6.2 - Ensure security patches are installed
6.5.1 - Injection flaws prevention
11.2 - Vulnerability scanning
🔗 References & Sources 0
No references.
📦 Affected Products / CPE 1 entries
Apache:HTTP Server