# CVE-2026-79768: Apache HTTP Server mod_userdir path equivalence in single-dot directory

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-79768-path-equivalence-single-dot-directory-vulnerability-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-2026-79768 · Severity: medium · CVSS 5.3 · Published 2026-10-01

Apache HTTP Server's mod_userdir module, which maps user home directories to web-accessible URLs, contains a path traversal vulnerability when using an absolute non-wildcard UserDir configuration. An attacker can bypass directory restrictions by using the '/./' path component to access files outside the intended user directory, potentially exposing sensitive information.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-79768 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-79768 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-79768?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 5.3, 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-2026-79768?** 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-2026-79768 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a web application.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-79768?** 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

A path equivalence vulnerability in mod_userdir allows attackers to bypass directory restrictions when the module is configured with an absolute non-wildcard UserDir directive. The vulnerability leverages the '/./' path component, which the filesystem treats as equivalent to '/', to traverse outside the restricted user directory. This affects Apache HTTP Server 2.4.0 through 2.4.68 and requires network access with no authentication.

## Affected products

- Apache HTTP Server 2.4.0 through 2.4.68

## Timeline

- 2026-08-14: 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/2026/10/01/29](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/10/01/29)

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