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CVE-2024-38474

Critical RCE in Apache HTTP Server (CVE-2024-38474) Allows Full System Takeover

Apache HTTP Server mod_rewrite vulnerability enables remote code execution

Apache HTTP Server versions through 2.4.59 contain a critical vulnerability in the mod_rewrite module (CVE-2024-38474). An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit flawed URL encoding handling to achieve code execution. CVSS 9.8. Actively exploited in the wild.

Tuesday, April 14, 2026Apache Software FoundationVulnios Threat Intelligence
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Vulnerability Snapshot

CVE-2024-38474 is rated CRITICAL — exploitation is trivial or already observed in the wild and impact is severe. Patch immediately, not on the next maintenance window.

This vulnerability appears in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, meaning it has been observed in active attacks. Federal agencies have a remediation deadline; commercial defenders should treat it with equivalent urgency.

Affected technology: Apache HTTP Server 2.4.x, Apache HTTP Server 2.4.59 and earlier.

Vulnerability Overview

CVE-2024-38474 is a critical remote code execution vulnerability in Apache HTTP Server mod_rewrite module. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected servers through specially crafted HTTP requests.

The vulnerability stems from improper handling of URL-encoded characters during mod_rewrite substitution operations. When backreferences are used in certain rewrite rule configurations, encoded characters are not properly sanitized, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code.

Impact Assessment

• CVSS Score: 9.8 / 10 (Critical)

• Attack Vector: Network (remote, unauthenticated)

• User Interaction: None required

• Impact: Full compromise — confidentiality, integrity, and availability

• Exploitability: Public PoC available, actively exploited in the wild

• CISA KEV: Yes — federal agencies must patch by deadline

Affected Versions

• Apache HTTP Server 2.4.0 through 2.4.59

• Any configuration using mod_rewrite with backreferences

• All operating systems (Linux, Windows, macOS)

Not affected: Apache HTTP Server 2.4.60+ (patched)

Recommended Actions

  • Upgrade immediately to Apache HTTP Server 2.4.60 or later
  • If immediate patching is not possible, disable mod_rewrite or review rewrite rules for backreference usage
  • Deploy WAF rules to detect and block exploitation attempts
  • Monitor access logs for suspicious URL-encoded patterns in request URIs
  • Run a vulnerability scan with Vulnios to identify affected instances across your infrastructure

    • How Vulnios Detects This

    Vulnios scans for this vulnerability using Trivy and Grype for CVE matching against your container images and OS package manifests and Nuclei templates that probe live HTTP surfaces for the published exploit pattern and KEV cross-check that flags any host where this CVE is already on CISA's exploited list. Run a scan against your environment to see whether you are exposed; findings are linked back to the original CVE record so triage starts with the patch path already known.

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    Affected Products

    Apache HTTP Server 2.4.xApache HTTP Server 2.4.59 and earlier

    Sources

    Related Threat Alerts

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is CVE-2024-38474?

    CVE-2024-38474 is a critical-severity vulnerability tracked under the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures program. A critical remote code execution vulnerability in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.59 and earlier allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted requests to mod_rewrite.

    Am I affected?

    Check whether your environment runs Apache HTTP Server 2.4.x, Apache HTTP Server 2.4.59 and earlier. If you operate any of those, treat yourself as in scope until you have evidence otherwise. A Vulnios scan will identify the exact assets carrying the affected version.

    How urgent is the response?

    Critical: do not wait for your normal patch cycle. Verify exposure today, apply the vendor patch immediately, and add detection rules for any post-exploit indicators.

    How do I remediate?

    Apply the vendor patch listed in the upstream advisory linked under Sources. If the patch is not yet available, follow the vendor-supplied workaround (often a config flag or feature disable) and add detections for the published exploit pattern in your SIEM. Re-scan after the patch lands to confirm the finding clears.

    Where can I track exploitation activity?

    Watch CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog for CVE-2024-38474. Cross-reference with public exploit databases and your own SIEM/IDS for indicator-of-compromise patterns. Vulnios tracks KEV status automatically and surfaces it on the asset findings view.

    How does Vulnios help with this?

    Vulnios continuously cross-references your asset inventory against the live CVE feed (NVD, vendor advisories, CISA KEV, and curated OSINT). When a new CVE matches your environment, you get a prioritized finding with the severity, KEV status, exploit-prediction (EPSS), and a direct path to the vendor patch. You can start a free scan from the homepage.

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