Apache APISIX: Inconsistent Interpretation of HTTP Requests
CVE-2026-74848 is a high-severity inconsistent interpretation of HTTP requests vulnerability in Apache APISIX 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 APISIX versions: 2.12.0 through 3.17.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.59% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Apisix to 3.18.0 or a later version.
- 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 APISIX | 2.12.0 through 3.17.0 | Not stated |
| Apache | Apisix | 2.12.0 up to, but not including, 3.18.0 | 3.18.0 |
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
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 7.0 | High | CNA (apache.org) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
Inconsistent Interpretation of HTTP Requests ('HTTP Request/Response Smuggling') vulnerability in Apache APISIX. An attacker could make other clients receive attacker-chosen or other users' responses on serverless-plugin routes. This issue affects Apache APISIX: from 2.12.0 through 3.17.0. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 3.18.0, which fixes the issue.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Inconsistent Interpretation of HTTP Requests
The product acts as an intermediary HTTP agent (such as a proxy or firewall) in the data flow between two entities such as a client and server, but it does not interpret malformed HTTP requests or responses in ways that are consistent with how the messages will be processed by those entities that are at the ultimate destination.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use a web server that employs a strict HTTP parsing procedure, such as Apache.
- Terminate the client session after each request.
More Inconsistent Interpretation of HTTP Requests vulnerabilities (CWE-444)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Third-party and government advisories
- openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/08/26/12Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in Apache APISIX
- 7.0 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Inconsistent Interpretation of HTTP Requests vulnerabilities
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.2 Critical severity
- 9.2 Critical severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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