CVE-2026-42356
Description
A flaw was found in Apache HTTP Server. An attacker could achieve unintended code execution when an internal redirect generated by a Common Gateway Interface (CGI) program points to a non-executable file. If the target file resides in a directory configured for CGI execution and lacks a file extension recognized by the MIME handler, the server incorrectly treats and executes the target file as a script. This issue could allow an attacker to run unauthorized commands or code within the server context.
Mitigation
If CGI functionality is not required, disable CGI execution by commenting out `mod_cgi` or `mod_cgid` in the Apache configuration (for example, in `/etc/httpd/conf.modules.d/01-cgi.conf`), or by removing `ExecCGI` from `Options` directives in `/etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf`.
Apply the changes to the running service:
systemctl reload httpd
Caveats: Disabling CGI modules or execution options will prevent any existing CGI applications from functioning.
Warning: Reloading or restarting the httpd service may temporarily disrupt active connections.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Info alert:Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 3.7 | N/A | 3.7 |
| Attack Vector | Network | N/A | Network |
| Attack Complexity | High | N/A | High |
| Privileges Required | None | N/A | None |
| User Interaction | None | N/A | None |
| Scope | Unchanged | N/A | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | None | N/A | None |
| Integrity Impact | Low | N/A | Low |
| Availability Impact | None | N/A | None |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Integrity,Other
Technical Impact: Varies by Context; Unexpected State
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