Double Free and Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in Apache HTTP Server
CVE-2026-23918

8.8HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

Apache
Status
Apache Http Server
Vendor
CVE Published:
4 May 2026

Badges

📈 Trended📈 Score: 10,000👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC📰 News Worthy

What is CVE-2026-23918?

CVE-2026-23918 is a severe security vulnerability affecting the Apache HTTP Server, specifically related to the HTTP/2 protocol. This vulnerability is characterized as a "double free" error, which occurs when a program attempts to release the same memory allocation twice. This flaw can lead to remote code execution (RCE), allowing an attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems. Given that the Apache HTTP Server is widely used to host websites and web applications globally, the ramifications of this vulnerability could severely impact organizations that rely on it for handling web traffic and serving content.

By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers could gain unauthorized access to server resources, compromising system integrity, and leading to data breaches, abnormal server behavior, or full control over the server environment. The affected version of Apache HTTP Server is 2.4.66, and users are advised to upgrade to version 2.4.67 to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.

Potential impact of CVE-2026-23918

  1. Remote Code Execution: The most significant impact arises from the ability of attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely, which may enable them to install malware or exfiltrate sensitive data.

  2. System Compromise: Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing an attacker to take control of the server, modify configurations, or disrupt services, potentially affecting availability and data integrity.

  3. Data Breaches: Exploitation of this vulnerability could facilitate unauthorized access to confidential information stored on the server, resulting in severe privacy violations and potential compliance issues for organizations that fail to protect sensitive data.

Affected Version(s)

Apache HTTP Server 2.4.66

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

CVE-2026-23918
Created by striga-ai

CVE-2026-23918
Created by rhasan-com

CVE-2026-23918-Elite-Auditor
Created by qassam-315

News Articles

favicon imageSwapupdate

Critical Apache HTTP/2 Flaw (CVE-2026-23918) Enables DoS and Potential RCE

Ravie LakshmananMay 05, 2026Vulnerability / Server Security

3 weeks ago

favicon imageThe Hacker News

Critical Apache HTTP/2 Flaw (CVE-2026-23918) Enables DoS and Potential RCE

Apache fixes CVE-2026-23918 in HTTP/2; double-free flaw enables DoS and RCE, impacting version 2.4.66 users.

3 weeks ago

favicon imageCybersecuritynews

Critical Apache HTTP Server Flaw Exposes Millions of Servers to RCE Attacks

The Apache Software Foundation has released a critical security update for Apache HTTP Server, patching five vulnerabilities, including a dangerous double-free flaw capable of enabling Remote Code Execution (RCE) in version 2.4.67, released on May 4, 2026.

3 weeks ago

References

https://httpd.apache.org/security/vulnerabilities_24.html
vendor-advisory

CVSS V3.1

Score:
8.8
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
Low
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • 📈

    Vulnerability started trending

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • 📰

    First article discovered by Cybersecuritynews

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

Credit

Bartlomiej Dmitruk, striga.ai
Stanislaw Strzalkowski, isec.pl
.