Path traversal and file disclosure vulnerability in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.49
Published Oct 5, 2021 · Updated Oct 14, 2026 · Also known as BIT-apache-2021-41773
Original summary
Normalized public record · Updated Oct 14, 2026
Path traversal and file disclosure vulnerability in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.49
Publisher and source text is retained separately from QFinch interpretation.
QFinch assessment
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.
Evidence: public source recordsAffected products
| Affected package, product or range | Fix status |
|---|---|
| Consult the referenced vendor advisory for affected versions. | Consult source advisory |
Matching a version is only one part of assessing exposure. QFinch has not assessed your environment on this public page.
Remediation
Apply the vendor-supported fixed release or mitigation, then verify the affected component is no longer reachable.
- Confirm the affected product and reachable code path exist in your environment.
- Apply the vendor-supported patch or mitigation from the primary advisory.
- Rescan the exact deployed revision and retain verification evidence.
Evidence coverage
- SSVC priority
- IMMEDIATE
- Confidence
- 100%
- Aliases
- BIT-apache-2021-41773
Scores appear only when corresponding evidence exists. Missing data is never interpreted as zero risk.
Sources and record history
- httpd.apache.org ↗
- [httpd-users] 20211005 [users@httpd] CVE-2021-41773: Path traversal and file disclosure vulnerability in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.49 ↗
- [announce] 20211005 CVE-2021-41773: Path traversal and file disclosure vulnerability in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.49 ↗
- [oss-security] 20211005 CVE-2021-41773: Path traversal and file disclosure vulnerability in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.49 ↗
- [oss-security] 20211007 RE: CVE-2021-41773: Path traversal and file disclosure vulnerability in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.49 ↗
- [announce] 20211007 CVE-2021-42013: Path Traversal and Remote Code Execution in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.49 and 2.4.50 (incomplete fix of CVE-2021-41773) ↗
- [httpd-users] 20211007 [users@httpd] CVE-2021-42013: Path Traversal and Remote Code Execution in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.49 and 2.4.50 (incomplete fix of CVE-2021-41773) ↗
- [oss-security] 20211007 CVE-2021-42013: Path Traversal and Remote Code Execution in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.49 and 2.4.50 (incomplete fix of CVE-2021-41773) ↗
- 20211007 Apache HTTP Server Vulnerabilties: October 2021 ↗
- [oss-security] 20211008 Re: CVE-2021-42013: Path Traversal and Remote Code Execution in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.49 and 2.4.50 (incomplete fix of CVE-2021-41773) ↗
- [httpd-cvs] 20211008 [httpd-site] branch main updated: * Align with CVE-2021-42013 based on the latest findings ↗
- [oss-security] 20211008 Re: CVE-2021-42013: Path Traversal and Remote Code Execution in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.49 and 2.4.50 (incomplete fix of CVE-2021-41773) ↗
Record history
Published Oct 5, 2021 · Last refreshed Oct 14, 2026