CVE-2019-0211 Apache HTTP Server Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Apache HTTP Server, with MPM event, worker or prefork, code executing in less-privileged child processes or threads (including scripts executed by an in-process scripting interpreter) could execute code with the privileges of the parent process (usually root) by manipulating the scoreboard.
From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.
Should You Worry?
- CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 3 Nov 2021.
- Rated High severity (CVSS 7.8, scored by CISA).
- This product type is often exposed to the internet, which is where attackers scan for it first.
- It has been in the catalogue for 1,829 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
What It Is
In Apache HTTP Server 2.4 releases 2.4.17 to 2.4.38, with MPM event, worker or prefork, code executing in less-privileged child processes or threads (including scripts executed by an in-process scripting interpreter) could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the parent process (usually root) by manipulating the scoreboard. Non-Unix systems are not affected.
Affected Versions
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| Apache Apache HTTP Server | 2.4.17 to 2.4.38 |
From the public CVE record, as supplied by the vendor. Always confirm against the vendor advisory.
What To Do Now
- 1
Find it
Search your asset inventory and external attack surface for Apache HTTP Server. Include cloud images, appliances and anything a supplier runs for you.
Attack Surface Management - 2
- 3
Hunt for compromise
If an affected system was reachable before you patched, assume it may have been hit. Check logs, new accounts, web shells and outbound connections from the date of exposure.
Incident Response - 4
Prove it is fixed
Rescan or test the system after patching. Upgrades that fail silently and forgotten secondary instances are common.
Penetration Testing
Vendor Advisories
The Compliance Clock
General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.
Not Sure If You Are Exposed?
Our attack surface and vulnerability teams can check your internet-facing estate for CVE-2019-0211 and every other exploited flaw on the list.
Sources
- CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue
- NVD: CVE-2019-0211
- CVE record: CVE-2019-0211
- FIRST EPSS
- openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2019/04/02/3
- securityfocus.com/bid/107666
- seclists.org/bugtraq/2019/Apr/5
- synology.com/security/advisory/Synology_SA_19_14
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/152386/Apache-2.4.38-Root-Privilege-Escalation.html
- usn.ubuntu.com/3937-1/
- lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/WETXNQWNQLW
- debian.org/security/2019/dsa-4422
