CVE-2026-42536: CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow in Apache Software Foundation Apache HTTP Server
CVE-2026-42536 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Apache HTTP Server's mod_xml2enc module when processing untrusted content. This affects Apache HTTP Server versions from 2.4.0 up to but not including 2.4.68. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5, indicating high severity, with an impact on availability but no direct confidentiality or integrity impact. Red Hat has issued security advisories providing updated packages that fix this issue. Users are strongly recommended to upgrade to version 2.4.68 or later to mitigate this vulnerability.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-42536) is a heap-based buffer overflow in the Apache HTTP Server's mod_xml2enc module, specifically in the xml2StartParse function when handling untrusted content. It affects Apache HTTP Server versions >=2.4.0 and <2.4.68. The flaw can cause a denial of service (crash) due to memory corruption. Red Hat advisories confirm the issue and provide updated httpd packages (version 2.4.68) that address this vulnerability. Multiple Red Hat errata detail the fixes and updates for various architectures and distributions. No known exploits in the wild have been reported as of the advisory dates.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability can lead to a denial of service condition by crashing the Apache HTTP Server due to heap-based buffer overflow. There is no reported impact on confidentiality or integrity. The CVSS score of 7.5 reflects a high severity primarily due to the potential for service disruption.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available in Apache HTTP Server version 2.4.68 and later. Users should upgrade to version 2.4.68 or apply the corresponding security updates provided by their Linux distribution vendors, such as the Red Hat advisories RHSA-2026:25042 and RHSA-2026:34109. No additional mitigation steps are required beyond applying these official patches.
CVE-2026-42536: CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow in Apache Software Foundation Apache HTTP Server
Description
CVE-2026-42536 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Apache HTTP Server's mod_xml2enc module when processing untrusted content. This affects Apache HTTP Server versions from 2.4.0 up to but not including 2.4.68. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5, indicating high severity, with an impact on availability but no direct confidentiality or integrity impact. Red Hat has issued security advisories providing updated packages that fix this issue. Users are strongly recommended to upgrade to version 2.4.68 or later to mitigate this vulnerability.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.5high
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-42536) is a heap-based buffer overflow in the Apache HTTP Server's mod_xml2enc module, specifically in the xml2StartParse function when handling untrusted content. It affects Apache HTTP Server versions >=2.4.0 and <2.4.68. The flaw can cause a denial of service (crash) due to memory corruption. Red Hat advisories confirm the issue and provide updated httpd packages (version 2.4.68) that address this vulnerability. Multiple Red Hat errata detail the fixes and updates for various architectures and distributions. No known exploits in the wild have been reported as of the advisory dates.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability can lead to a denial of service condition by crashing the Apache HTTP Server due to heap-based buffer overflow. There is no reported impact on confidentiality or integrity. The CVSS score of 7.5 reflects a high severity primarily due to the potential for service disruption.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available in Apache HTTP Server version 2.4.68 and later. Users should upgrade to version 2.4.68 or apply the corresponding security updates provided by their Linux distribution vendors, such as the Red Hat advisories RHSA-2026:25042 and RHSA-2026:34109. No additional mitigation steps are required beyond applying these official patches.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- GHSA-2p7m-6jhq-26cm
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.4.0
- Aliases
- ["CVE-2026-42536"]
- Database Specific Severity
- HIGH
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Patch Information
Threat ID: 6a7b6fd6bf8831d5393eadd3
Added to database: 08/11/2026, 18:54:14 UTC
Last enriched: 09/10/2026, 13:42:54 UTC
Last updated: 09/26/2026, 01:47:42 UTC
Views: 54
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