CVE-2026-28808: CWE-863 Incorrect Authorization in Erlang OTP
Incorrect Authorization vulnerability in Erlang OTP (inets modules) allows unauthenticated access to CGI scripts protected by directory rules when served via script_alias. When script_alias maps a URL prefix to a directory outside DocumentRoot, mod_auth evaluates directory-based access controls against the DocumentRoot-relative path while mod_cgi executes the script at the ScriptAlias-resolved path. This path mismatch allows unauthenticated access to CGI scripts that directory rules were meant to protect. This vulnerability is associated with program files lib/inets/src/http_server/mod_alias.erl, lib/inets/src/http_server/mod_auth.erl, and lib/inets/src/http_server/mod_cgi.erl. This issue affects OTP from OTP 17.0 before OTP 28.4.2, OTP 27.3.4.10 and OTP 26.2.5.19, corresponding to inets from 5.10 before 9.6.2, 9.3.2.4 and 9.1.0.6.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The vulnerability in Erlang OTP's inets HTTP server modules (mod_alias, mod_auth, and mod_cgi) allows unauthorized users to access CGI scripts that should be protected by directory-based access controls. This occurs because mod_auth checks access permissions against a path relative to DocumentRoot, while mod_cgi executes the script using the path resolved by ScriptAlias, which may point outside DocumentRoot. This path mismatch leads to bypassing authentication and authorization controls. Affected versions include OTP from 17.0 up to but not including 28.4.2, 27.3.4.10, and 26.2.5.19, with corresponding inets module versions from 5.10 up to but not including 9.6.2, 9.3.2.4, and 9.1.0.6. No official remediation level or patch is indicated in the provided data. The Red Hat advisory URL is provided but does not explicitly state patch status in the input.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows unauthenticated attackers to bypass directory-based access controls and gain unauthorized access to CGI scripts that were intended to be protected. This can lead to unauthorized execution of scripts, potentially exposing sensitive information or enabling further attacks. The vulnerability affects the integrity of access control mechanisms in the Erlang OTP inets HTTP server.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory at https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-28808 for current remediation guidance. No official fix or temporary workaround is indicated in the provided data. Users should monitor the vendor advisory for updates and apply patches once available.
CVE-2026-28808: CWE-863 Incorrect Authorization in Erlang OTP
Description
Incorrect Authorization vulnerability in Erlang OTP (inets modules) allows unauthenticated access to CGI scripts protected by directory rules when served via script_alias. When script_alias maps a URL prefix to a directory outside DocumentRoot, mod_auth evaluates directory-based access controls against the DocumentRoot-relative path while mod_cgi executes the script at the ScriptAlias-resolved path. This path mismatch allows unauthenticated access to CGI scripts that directory rules were meant to protect. This vulnerability is associated with program files lib/inets/src/http_server/mod_alias.erl, lib/inets/src/http_server/mod_auth.erl, and lib/inets/src/http_server/mod_cgi.erl. This issue affects OTP from OTP 17.0 before OTP 28.4.2, OTP 27.3.4.10 and OTP 26.2.5.19, corresponding to inets from 5.10 before 9.6.2, 9.3.2.4 and 9.1.0.6.
CVSS v4.0
Score 8.3high
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability in Erlang OTP's inets HTTP server modules (mod_alias, mod_auth, and mod_cgi) allows unauthorized users to access CGI scripts that should be protected by directory-based access controls. This occurs because mod_auth checks access permissions against a path relative to DocumentRoot, while mod_cgi executes the script using the path resolved by ScriptAlias, which may point outside DocumentRoot. This path mismatch leads to bypassing authentication and authorization controls. Affected versions include OTP from 17.0 up to but not including 28.4.2, 27.3.4.10, and 26.2.5.19, with corresponding inets module versions from 5.10 up to but not including 9.6.2, 9.3.2.4, and 9.1.0.6. No official remediation level or patch is indicated in the provided data. The Red Hat advisory URL is provided but does not explicitly state patch status in the input.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows unauthenticated attackers to bypass directory-based access controls and gain unauthorized access to CGI scripts that were intended to be protected. This can lead to unauthorized execution of scripts, potentially exposing sensitive information or enabling further attacks. The vulnerability affects the integrity of access control mechanisms in the Erlang OTP inets HTTP server.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory at https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-28808 for current remediation guidance. No official fix or temporary workaround is indicated in the provided data. Users should monitor the vendor advisory for updates and apply patches once available.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- EEF
- Date Reserved
- 2026-03-03T14:40:00.590Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
- Vendor Advisory Urls
- [{"url":"https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-28808","vendor":"Red Hat"}]
Threat ID: 69d4fc92aaed68159a20604c
Added to database: 04/07/2026, 12:46:10 UTC
Last enriched: 07/24/2026, 21:33:46 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:22:58 UTC
Views: 126
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