CVE-2008-2168
MediumPublic exploitCross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Apache 2.2.6 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via UTF-7 encoded URLs that are not properly handled when displaying the 403 Forbidden error page.
Published May 13, 2008 · Updated Aug 4, 2026 · Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2008-2168
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2008-2168 is a medium-severity vulnerability (CVSS 4.3 v2) affecting HTTP Server (Apache), apache2 (debian), rootio-apache2.
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 55% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including apache2 2.2.8-1, rootio-apache2 2.2.8-1.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
CVSS v2
4.3
AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:N/I:P/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
55%
Higher than 99.0% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
No known
Not in a known-exploited catalog
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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Description
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Apache 2.2.6 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via UTF-7 encoded URLs that are not properly handled when displaying the 403 Forbidden error page.
Affected Products
62 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| HTTP ServerApache | 2.0, 2.0.28, 2.0.28-beta, 2.0.32, 2.0.32-beta, 2.0.34-beta, 2.0.35, 2.0.36 | n/a |
| apache2debian | See advisory | 2.2.8-1 |
| rootio-apache2rootio | See advisory | 2.2.8-1 |
Patched Releases
apache2
2.2.8-1
rootio-apache2
2.2.8-1
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
May 13, 2008
Last updated
Aug 4, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')
References
- advisoryhttps://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2008-2168
- exploitExploitDB-31759
- exploit29112
- otherHPSBUX02365
- otherSSRT090085
FAQ
Common Questions.
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Apache 2.2.6 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via UTF-7 encoded URLs that are not properly handled when displaying the 403 Forbidden error page.
Affected: HTTP Server (Apache) versions 2.0, 2.0.28, 2.0.28-beta, 2.0.32, 2.0.32-beta, 2.0.34-beta, 2.0.35, 2.0.36; apache2 (debian); rootio-apache2. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including apache2 2.2.8-1, rootio-apache2 2.2.8-1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
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