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CVE Record

CVE-2021-41773: Path traversal and file disclosure vulnerability in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.49

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.

HighCVSS 7.5Known exploitedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysis

Security readout for executives and security teams

Apache HTTP Server 2.4.49 can expose files outside intended web directories through path traversal. Apache reports exploitation in the wild, and CISA KEV confirms active risk. Remote code execution is possible only when CGI scripts are enabled for affected aliased paths. Internet-facing Apache HTTP Server 2.4.49 instances are the main concern, especially systems using Alias-like directives or CGI. Earlier versions are not affected by this CVE. Apache 2.4.50 requires separate attention because the stated fix was incomplete and tracked as CVE-2021-42013. Prioritize remediation immediately for internet-facing Apache 2.4.49, because exploitation is known and exposure can lead to sensitive file disclosure. Escalate further if CGI is enabled, since the business impact may shift from data exposure to server compromise. Mitigation focus: Upgrade Apache HTTP Server 2.4.49 according to current Apache guidance.; Do not treat Apache 2.4.50 as a complete fix; review CVE-2021-42013 guidance.; Ensure files outside intended web roots are protected by require all denied..

Prepared

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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CWE-22: File access and web shell behavior lookup

File traversal and upload weaknesses can lead teams to review file, web shell, execution, and collection telemetry. Open the exact CWE lookup page first, then review the ATT&CK searches from that MITRE weakness context. This is a Glexia lookup hint, not an official ATT&CK mapping.

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Execution behavior lookup

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File access behavior lookup

The CVE wording references file access or upload behavior, so file telemetry and web shell review may help. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.

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CVE-2021-41773 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
High
CVSS
7.5 (3.1)
Known Exploited
Yes
Published

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

1CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
14Source links

CISA KEV status

Status
Known exploited
Source
CISA / ADP
Date added
Not provided

CVSS vector scores

1 official score

We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
7.5CVSS 3.1HighCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N3.93.6Primary CVE score

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.1 score

7.5High
CVSS 3.1 vector shape for CVE-2021-41773Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
Apache Software FoundationApache HTTP ServerApache HTTP Server 2.4 2.4.49Listed
Weakness

CWE details

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