Published: 2025-12-05
Overview
CVE-2025-65082 describes an Improper Neutralization of Escape, Meta, or Control Sequences vulnerability in Apache HTTP Server. This flaw allows attackers to potentially inject parameters into CGI programs by manipulating environment variables defined within the Apache configuration. These configuration-defined variables unexpectedly supersede variables the server calculates and provides to CGI programs.
This vulnerability affects Apache HTTP Server versions 2.4.0 through 2.4.65. It is highly recommended to upgrade to version 2.4.66 or later to mitigate this risk.
Technical Details
The vulnerability stems from the way Apache HTTP Server handles environment variables when executing CGI scripts. When the server is configured to set environment variables using directives like SetEnv or within <Directory> or <VirtualHost> blocks, these variables can inadvertently override variables that the server itself calculates and intends to pass to the CGI script. This can lead to a situation where an attacker, by controlling values within the Apache configuration (which might be achievable through configuration weaknesses or unrelated vulnerabilities), can influence the behavior of the CGI program. This could enable the attacker to pass arbitrary commands or data to the CGI script, leading to potential code execution or data manipulation.
CVSS Analysis
Currently, a CVSS score is not available for CVE-2025-65082. While the CVE entry does not provide a score, the potential impact of this vulnerability could be significant depending on the CGI scripts and the variables that are being overridden. A successful exploit could lead to remote code execution or other severe consequences.
We will update this section as soon as a CVSS score becomes available.
Possible Impact
The impact of CVE-2025-65082 can vary depending on the CGI scripts used on the affected Apache HTTP Server. However, potential impacts include:
- Remote Code Execution: If the injected parameters are used by the CGI script to execute system commands, an attacker could gain remote code execution on the server.
- Data Manipulation: An attacker could modify or corrupt data processed by the CGI script.
- Information Disclosure: An attacker could gain access to sensitive information stored on the server.
- Denial of Service: An attacker could crash the CGI script or the server by injecting malicious parameters.
Mitigation or Patch Steps
The primary mitigation for CVE-2025-65082 is to upgrade your Apache HTTP Server to version 2.4.66 or later. This version contains the fix for this vulnerability.
To upgrade, follow the official Apache HTTP Server upgrade instructions specific to your operating system and distribution. Typically, this involves using your system’s package manager (e.g., apt-get, yum, dnf) to update the httpd package.
If immediate upgrade is not possible, carefully review your Apache configuration, specifically sections dealing with SetEnv directives and environment variables within <Directory> and <VirtualHost> blocks. Try to minimise the usage of SetEnv, especially for variables used or required by your CGI programs. Also restrict access to configuration files as much as possible.
