CVE-2026-59797
Description
A flaw was found in the mod_ssl module of Apache HTTP Server. The SSLRequire directive does not properly restrict file-related expression functions in .htaccess files. An attacker who can write an .htaccess file in a directory where SSLRequire is permitted could use these functions to read files with the permissions of the httpd process, potentially disclosing sensitive information beyond the attacker's authorized access.
Statement
Red Hat initially assesses this vulnerability as Moderate. Exploitation requires permission to write an .htaccess file in a directory where SSLRequire overrides are enabled. An attacker could use file-related expressions to disclose sensitive files readable by the httpd process. Configurations that do not permit SSLRequire in attacker-controlled .htaccess files are not exposed to this attack path. Product-specific impact will be reviewed with Engineering.
Mitigation
Prevent untrusted users from using SSLRequire in .htaccess files. Where directory-level overrides are not required, disable them in the trusted server configuration for each affected directory:
<Directory "/path/to/content">
AllowOverride None
AllowOverrideList None
</Directory>
Move any required .htaccess settings into the trusted server configuration before disabling overrides. Validate the configuration and reload or restart the appropriate Apache HTTP Server instance using the deployment's standard procedure.
Disabling overrides can change authentication, access controls, and URL rewriting that depend on .htaccess files. Apply a vendor-supported security update when available.
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 | 5.5 | N/A | 9.8 |
| Attack Vector | Local | N/A | Network |
| Attack Complexity | Low | N/A | Low |
| Privileges Required | Low | N/A | None |
| User Interaction | None | N/A | None |
| Scope | Unchanged | N/A | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | High | N/A | High |
| Integrity Impact | None | N/A | High |
| Availability Impact | None | N/A | High |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Access Control
Technical Impact: Gain Privileges or Assume Identity
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