CVE-2025-58098 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Apache HTTP Server versions 2.4.65 and earlier. The flaw arises when Server Side Includes (SSI) is enabled along with mod_cgid, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands using the #exec cmd="..." directive. This vulnerability poses significant risks, as it can lead to unauthorized command execution on servers utilizing this configuration.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 8.3, indicating a high level of severity. The issue can be exploited over a network, requiring low complexity and only low-level privileges to execute commands. Given the potential impact on confidentiality and integrity, organizations should prioritize remediation efforts.
Users are strongly recommended to upgrade to version 2.4.66 of Apache HTTP Server, which addresses this vulnerability. The urgency for defenders is critical due to the ease of exploitation and the possible severe consequences.
Currently, there is a known exploit for this vulnerability. Organizations using affected versions should take immediate action to mitigate risks.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability description states that Apache HTTP Server 2.4.65 and earlier, when configured with Server Side Includes (SSI) and mod_cgid, passes the shell-escaped query string to #exec cmd="..." directives. This issue specifically affects versions prior to 2.4.66. The recommended solution is to upgrade to version 2.4.66, which rectifies the vulnerability.
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-201 and is scored with a CVSS vector of CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:L. The attack vector is network-based, requiring low attack complexity, low privileges, and no user interaction, making it a significant risk for organizations.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2025-58098 stems from the way Apache HTTP Server handles requests with Server Side Includes enabled. By allowing the shell-escaped query string to be processed by the #exec command, attackers can inject arbitrary commands that may lead to severe security breaches.
The attack vector is network-based, meaning that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely. The attack complexity is classified as low, as it does not require sophisticated techniques or tools for exploitation. Privileges required are also low, allowing unauthorized users to potentially execute harmful commands.
This vulnerability impacts confidentiality and integrity significantly, as attackers may gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or manipulate server operations. The availability impact is low, indicating that the server may remain operational even if exploited.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes potential command injection attacks that could lead to unauthorized access, data loss, or service disruption. Given the widespread use of Apache HTTP Server, the blast radius of exploitation could be extensive, affecting numerous systems and services.
Organizations should assess their deployment configurations to identify any instances where Apache HTTP Server is running with SSI and mod_cgid enabled. The urgency for addressing this vulnerability is high due to the possibility of exploitation and the associated risks.
According to the exploitation status, there is a known exploit available, which heightens the risk of active exploitation in the wild. Organizations should take immediate steps to patch their systems and mitigate this vulnerability.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of Apache HTTP Server prior to 2.4.66 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure that they upgrade to the latest release to mitigate the associated risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should upgrade to Apache HTTP Server version 2.4.66 or later. If an immediate upgrade is not possible, consider disabling Server Side Includes or mod_cgid to mitigate exposure.
Organizations should also implement configuration hardening measures and monitor their systems for any unusual activity. Regular security assessments, including penetration testing, can help identify potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses in their configurations.
Detection Guidance
Security teams should monitor logs for any suspicious #exec command executions or unusual query strings that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing network signatures to detect potential exploitation attempts can aid in early detection.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2025-58098 presents a significant long-term risk to organizations using Apache HTTP Server, particularly where SSI is enabled. This incident highlights the importance of regular updates and security assessments to maintain a strong security posture.
Monitoring trends in vulnerabilities related to web servers can provide valuable insights for security teams. Organizations should leverage resources such as the penetration testing methodology to improve their defenses against similar threats.
By adopting a proactive approach to security, including regular audits and updates, organizations can better protect themselves against emerging vulnerabilities such as CVE-2025-58098.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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