# CVE-2026-46729: Apache HTTP Server mod_heartmonitor null pointer dereference

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-46729-null-pointer-dereference-vulnerability-in-apache-http-servers-mod  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-01. Updated: 2026-10-05  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-46729 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.5 · Published 2026-10-01

Apache HTTP Server's mod_heartmonitor module contains a null pointer dereference vulnerability in its unicast listener that can cause the web server to crash. An attacker with network access can send crafted unicast messages to trigger the vulnerability, leading to denial of service and potential downtime of web applications.

Technologies: [Apache HTTP Server](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/http-server). Vendors: [Apache](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/apache).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-46729 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-46729 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-46729?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.5, published 1 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Apache HTTP Server 2.4.0 through 2.4.68.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-46729?** Yes: fixed in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.69. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-46729 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a web application.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-46729?** Check whether you run Apache HTTP Server at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## How to fix

- Fixed in Apache HTTP Server 2.4.69

## Technical details

A null pointer dereference in mod_heartmonitor's unicast listener handling allows remote attackers to crash the Apache HTTP Server process without authentication. The vulnerability can be triggered via crafted network messages to the heartmonitor listener. Attackers can remotely cause a denial of service condition by forcing the server to dereference a null pointer.

## Affected products

- Apache HTTP Server 2.4.0 through 2.4.68

## Timeline

- 2026-05-07: disclosed
- 2026-10-01: patched
- 2026-10-01: advisory

## References

- [https://httpd.apache.org/security/vulnerabilities_24.html](https://httpd.apache.org/security/vulnerabilities_24.html)
- [http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/10/01/13](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/10/01/13)

## Related threats

- [Apache HTTP Server mod_http2 heap corruption in assign_headers](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-119618-concurrent-execution-using-shared-resource-with-improper)
- [Apache HTTP Server mod_vhost_alias stack buffer overflow](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-109163-stack-based-buffer-overflow-vulnerability-in-apache-http-server)
- [Apache HTTP Server mod_md NULL pointer dereference](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-106023-null-pointer-dereference-vulnerability-in-apache-http-server-s)
- [Apache HTTP Server mod_dav_fs integer overflow in namespace handling](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-93546-integer-overflow-in-mod-dav-fs-in-apache-http-server-through-2-4)
- [Apache HTTP Server mod_userdir path equivalence in single-dot directory](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-79768-path-equivalence-single-dot-directory-vulnerability-in-apache)