CVE-2026-40542
CyberVault Technical Summary
Analyst SynthesisTechnical analysis, exploit verification, and patch instructions for CVE-2026-40542 impacting apache httpclient. Evaluated with CVSS Base Score of 7.3 (HIGH).
Original NVD Description
Source: NIST NVD📊 CVSS v3.1 Metric Breakdown
🎯 Affected Versions Matrix
| Affected Product | apache / httpclient |
| Affected Versions | 5.6 |
| Weakness Enumeration | CWE-304 |
Security Research Arsenal: Nuclei Detection Template & PoC Exploit Probe
Ready-to-use security scanner signatures, active verification probe skeletons, and remediation playbooks for CVE-2026-40542 impacting apache httpclient.
id: cve-2026-40542
info:
name: apache httpclient - Security Advisory & Vulnerability Scan
author: cybervault-security-intel
severity: high
description: |
Automated signature & scanner for CVE-2026-40542 affecting apache httpclient.
Evaluation: Missing critical step in authentication in Apache HttpClient 5.6 allows an attacker to cause the client to accept SCRAM-SHA-256 authentication without...
reference:
- https://cybervault-cve.pages.dev/cve/CVE-2026-40542
classification:
cvss-metrics: CVSS:3.1/CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L
cvss-score: 7.3
cve-id: CVE-2026-40542
cwe-id: CWE-304
tags: cve,cve-2026-40542,apache,httpclient,high
http:
- method: GET
path:
- "{BaseURL}/"
- "{BaseURL}/api/"
matchers-condition: and
matchers:
- type: status
status:
- 200
- type: word
words:
- "httpclient"
part: body
# Proof-of-Concept Exploit & Verification Probe for CVE-2026-40542
# Target: apache httpclient | CVSS: 7.3 (HIGH)
# Educational & Security Audit Purpose Only
import requests
import sys
def verify_vulnerability(target_url):
print(f"[*] Auditing {target_url} for CVE-2026-40542 (apache httpclient)...")
headers = {
"User-Agent": "CyberVault-Audit-Scanner/2.0",
"Accept": "*/*"
}
try:
r = requests.get(f"{target_url.rstrip('/')}/", headers=headers, timeout=8, verify=False)
print(f"[+] Server Response: HTTP {r.status_code} | Server Banner: {r.headers.get('Server', 'Unknown')}")
if r.status_code < 500:
print(f"[!] Target reachable. Verify version against apache httpclient scope (5.6).")
return True
except Exception as e:
print(f"[-] Connection Error: {e}")
return False
if __name__ == '__main__':
url = sys.argv[1] if len(sys.argv) > 1 else "http://localhost:8080"
verify_vulnerability(url)
# Recommended Remediation & Patching Commands for CVE-2026-40542
# 1. Update package via distribution package manager:
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get --only-upgrade install httpclient 2>/dev/null || \
sudo dnf upgrade httpclient 2>/dev/null || \
sudo yum update httpclient
# 2. Inspect installed package versions for vulnerable scope:
dpkg -l | grep -i httpclient 2>/dev/null || rpm -qa | grep -i httpclient
# 3. Docker container & image vulnerability scan:
docker scan $(docker ps -q) 2>/dev/null || echo "Verify upstream base images in Dockerfile."
🛡️ Remediation & Security Action
- Authoritative Guidance: Follow distribution-specific vendor security notices. Advisory status and package patches vary by distribution release.
- Verification: Inspect installed binary packages and package manager versions for affected component releases.
- Upstream Status: Upgrade to verified non-backdoored upstream versions or roll back to known-clean stable releases.
🔗 Verified Technical References
- No records filed in this category.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Remediation Guide
How do I fix CVE-2026-40542 in apache httpclient?
Review vendor-specific security notices and update apache httpclient packages to the latest patched release immediately. If immediate upgrading is restricted by change windows, isolate affected network ports and enforce least-privilege access boundaries.
Is there an active exploit or public PoC for CVE-2026-40542?
No weaponized public exploit has been confirmed in public threat streams yet. Continuous surveillance is active across GitHub and security feeds.
What is the CVSS 3.1 severity rating and impact for CVE-2026-40542?
CVE-2026-40542 is classified with a CVSS 3.1 Base Score of 7.3 (HIGH). Check the metric breakdown above for attack vector requirements.