Memory Management Vulnerability in Apache HTTP Server: CVE-2025-53020
Summary
CVE-2025-53020: Late Release of Memory after Effective Lifetime vulnerability in Apache HTTP Server. Affects apache2 across 2 version ranges.
< 2.4.64-r0
>= 47a9d8e8abf5697b4580c3ee2ade302b5c058fa6, < 7e926454793abd7d71b6afc8bd1ec1648752c6ad
Fixed in 2.4.64-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
Apache HTTP Server is a widely-used open-source web server software that provides a robust and flexible platform for serving web content. It supports various features such as SSL/TLS for secure connections, URL rewriting, and customizable error messages. However, it is susceptible to vulnerabilities that can affect its performance and security, including memory management issues.
Vulnerability Detail
CVE-2025-53020 is a Late Release of Memory after Effective Lifetime vulnerability found in Apache HTTP Server versions 2.4.17 to 2.4.63. This vulnerability arises from improper memory management, which can lead to memory leaks and potentially allow an attacker to exploit the server's resources. The ramifications of this issue can include degraded performance, increased resource consumption, and potential denial of service.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.4.64-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade apache2Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If an immediate upgrade is not feasible, consider implementing resource monitoring to detect unusual memory usage patterns. Additionally, you can limit the number of concurrent connections to the server to mitigate potential exploitation.
Conclusion
CVE-2025-53020 is a significant vulnerability affecting Apache HTTP Server versions 2.4.17 to 2.4.63, stemming from improper memory management. Users are strongly advised to upgrade to version 2.4.64 to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
See every vulnerability recorded for apache2 →
FAQ
CVE-2025-53020 is a vulnerability in Apache HTTP Server that involves improper memory management, potentially leading to memory leaks.
The vulnerability affects Apache HTTP Server versions from 2.4.17 up to 2.4.63.
You can use tools like Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected.
The risks include degraded server performance, increased resource consumption, and potential denial of service attacks.
To upgrade, use your package manager. For Debian, run 'sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install apache2'. For Alpine, use 'apk add apache2=2.4.64-r0'.
References
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