# CVE-2026-56153: Apache HTTP Server heap overflow in mod_charset_lite

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-56153-out-of-bounds-write-vulnerability-in-apache-http-server-s-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-2026-56153 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.5 · Published 2026-10-01

Apache HTTP Server's mod_charset_lite module contains a heap buffer overflow vulnerability that could allow attackers to crash the server or potentially execute code. The module handles character set conversion for web content, and the flaw occurs in partial character handling. This affects all versions from 2.4.0 through 2.4.68, requiring an immediate upgrade to 2.4.69.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-56153 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-56153 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-56153?** 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-2026-56153?** 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-2026-56153 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a web application.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-56153?** 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 2.4.69

## Technical details

An out-of-bounds write vulnerability exists in the finish_partial_char function of mod_charset_lite, allowing heap corruption through crafted input during character set conversion. An attacker sending a specially crafted HTTP request to a server with mod_charset_lite enabled can trigger the overflow. The vulnerability requires no authentication and is triggered via network requests to the affected service.

## Affected products

- Apache HTTP Server 2.4.0 through 2.4.68

## Timeline

- 2026-06-09: 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/2026/10/01/16](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/10/01/16)

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