# CVE-2026-48005: Apache HTTP Server mod_auth_digest reauthentication attack

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-48005-missing-authentication-checks-in-mod-auth-digest-in-apache  
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-2026-48005 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.5 · Published 2026-10-01

Apache HTTP Server's Digest authentication module contains a flaw that allows an unauthenticated attacker to forge authentication headers and force legitimate users to re-authenticate repeatedly. This creates a denial of service condition affecting web servers that use Digest authentication with the AuthDigestNcCheck option enabled. The attack requires no special privileges and can be launched remotely.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-48005 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-48005 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-48005?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.5, published 1 October 2026.

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

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-48005?** Yes: fixed in 2.4.69. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-48005 attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-48005?** Check whether you run Apache HTTP Server or Apache Software Foundation 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 2.4.69

## Technical details

The mod_auth_digest module in Apache HTTP Server before 2.4.69 fails to properly validate forged Authorization headers, allowing an unauthenticated remote client to trigger forced re-authentication of legitimate users. The vulnerability applies when Digest authentication is configured with the AuthDigestNcCheck directive. An attacker sends crafted digest authentication headers over the network to cause repeated authentication failures and service disruption.

## Affected products

- Apache Software Foundation HTTP Server 2.4.0 through 2.4.68

## Timeline

- 2026-05-14: disclosed: Report received
- 2026-10-01: patched: Fixed in 2.4.x by r1937721
- 2026-10-01: advisory: Version 2.4.69 released

## References

- [https://httpd.apache.org/security/vulnerabilities_24.html](https://httpd.apache.org/security/vulnerabilities_24.html)
- [http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/10/01/15](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/10/01/15)

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