# CVE-2026-59685: Apache HTTP Server out-of-bounds write in path canonicalization on Windows

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-59685-out-of-bounds-write-vulnerability-in-apache-http-server-on  
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-2026-59685 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.5 · Published 2026-10-01

Apache HTTP Server, which powers many web servers globally, contains an out-of-bounds write vulnerability triggered when processing file paths with 8.3 short names on Windows systems. An attacker could exploit this to crash the server or potentially execute arbitrary code, affecting web services availability and integrity.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-59685 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-59685 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-59685?** 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-2026-59685?** 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-2026-59685 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a web application.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-59685?** 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 flaw exists in Apache HTTP Server's ap_directory_walk() function when canonicalizing file paths on case-insensitive filesystems (Windows). The vulnerability occurs because 8.3 DOS-format filenames may expand when rewritten, potentially exceeding allocated buffer boundaries. The issue affects all versions 2.4.0 through 2.4.68 and is fixed in 2.4.69.

## Affected products

- Apache HTTP Server 2.4.0 through 2.4.68

## Timeline

- 2026-05-06: 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/2026/10/01/21](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/10/01/21)

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