# CVE-2026-59797: Apache HTTP Server mod_ssl privilege escalation in SSLRequire expressions

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-59797-improper-privilege-management-vulnerability-in-apache-http-server  
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-2026-59797 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.8 · Published 2026-10-01

Apache HTTP Server's mod_ssl module improperly manages privileges when processing SSLRequire directives with file-related expressions, allowing unauthorized file access. An attacker could exploit this to read or manipulate files that should be restricted based on SSL certificate requirements, potentially exposing sensitive configuration or application data.

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-2026-59797 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-59797 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-59797?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 9.8, 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-2026-59797?** 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-2026-59797 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a web application.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-59797?** 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

Improper privilege management in mod_ssl's SSLRequire directive allows attackers to leverage ap_expr file-functions to bypass intended access controls. The vulnerability affects versions 2.4.0 through 2.4.68 and requires network access to trigger; exploitation occurs during request processing when file-related expressions are evaluated in SSL certificate validation contexts.

## Affected products

- Apache Software Foundation HTTP Server 2.4.0 through 2.4.68

## Timeline

- 2026-10-01: disclosed
- 2026-10-01: patched

## References

- [https://httpd.apache.org/security/vulnerabilities_24.html](https://httpd.apache.org/security/vulnerabilities_24.html)
- [http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/10/01/22](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/10/01/22)

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