Apache HttpComponents Core: Uncontrolled Resource Consumption
CVE-2026-54428 is a high-severity uncontrolled resource consumption vulnerability in Apache HttpComponents Core from Apache, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Apache HttpComponents Core versions: 5.5-alpha through 5.5-beta1; 5.0-alpha through 5.4.2. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.87% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 59% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Apache HttpComponents Core you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on lists.apache.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apache | Apache HttpComponents Core | 5.5-alpha through 5.5-beta1; 5.0-alpha through 5.4.2 | Not stated |
| Apache | Httpcomponents Core | 5.0 through 5.4.2; 5.5 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by CISA (ADP).
Official description
Allocation of resources without limits or throttling in the HTTP/2 HPACK decoder in Apache HttpComponents Core (5.4.2 and earlier, 5.5-beta1 and earlier) allows an remote attacker to cause a denial of service through memory exhaustion by sending oversized compressed header blocks before the HTTP/2 SETTINGS acknowledgement causes the configured header list size limit to be applied.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Uncontrolled Resource Consumption
The product does not properly control the allocation and maintenance of a limited resource.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Ensure that protocols have specific limits of scale placed on them.
- Ensure that all failures in resource allocation place the system into a safe posture.
More Uncontrolled Resource Consumption vulnerabilities (CWE-400)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Patches and release notes
- openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/07/01/3Mitigation, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in Apache HttpComponents Core
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Uncontrolled Resource Consumption vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.7 High severity
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