CVE-2026-74994
Description
A flaw was found in the mod_auth module of OTP's inets httpd server. When configured with multiple directory configuration blocks and using dets or mnesia authentication backends, the module incorrectly collapses all directory blocks into a single shared user/group namespace. This allows a user authenticated for one protected directory to gain unauthorized access to other protected directories on the same server instance, leading to an authentication bypass.
Statement
Moderate: The mod_auth module in the inets httpd server, as shipped in Red Hat Hardened Images, is vulnerable to an authentication bypass. This flaw occurs when the server is configured with dets or mnesia authentication backends and multiple directory blocks with differing access requirements, leading to a collapse of user/group namespaces. An authenticated user for one protected directory can then access other protected directories on the same server instance, undermining intended access controls.
Mitigation
To mitigate this issue, avoid configuring the `inets` httpd server's `mod_auth` module with `dets` or `mnesia` authentication backends when using multiple directory blocks that require distinct user or group populations. Alternatively, ensure that all protected directories are intended to share identical user populations, thereby eliminating reliance on namespace isolation. If possible, switch to the `plain` authentication backend, which correctly isolates per-directory users and groups.
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 | 6.5 | N/A | N/A |
| Attack Vector | Network | N/A | N/A |
| Attack Complexity | Low | N/A | N/A |
| Privileges Required | Low | N/A | N/A |
| User Interaction | None | N/A | N/A |
| Scope | Unchanged | N/A | N/A |
| Confidentiality | High | N/A | N/A |
| Integrity Impact | None | N/A | N/A |
| Availability Impact | None | N/A | N/A |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Confidentiality,Integrity,Availability,Access Control
Technical Impact: Modify Memory; Read Memory; Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands; Gain Privileges or Assume Identity; Bypass Protection Mechanism; Other
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