CVE-2009-4490: mini_httpd 1.19 writes data to a log file without sanitizing non-printable characters, which might allow remot

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MEDIUM 5.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2009-4490 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.0) affecting mini httpd. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

mini_httpd 1.19 writes data to a log file without sanitizing non-printable characters, which might allow remote attackers to modify a window's title, or possibly execute arbitrary commands or overwrite files, via an HTTP request containing an escape sequence for a terminal emulator.

Why this priority

EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.0 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	10.2% (top 4%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-20
Published	2010-01-13
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: acme

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2010-01-13 20:30 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:13 UTCUpdated Record last modified

acme mini httpd DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.19

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.19

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy mini-httpd || rpm -q mini-httpd || mini-httpd --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.19 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison mini-httpd sudo apt install mini-httpd=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.19> sudo apt-mark hold mini-httpd

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list mini-httpd sudo dnf downgrade mini-httpd-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.19> sudo dnf versionlock add mini-httpd

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: mini_httpd 1.18 - HTTP Request Escape Sequence Terminal Command Injection

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2009-4490?

mini httpd: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2009-4490 being exploited?

CVE-2009-4490 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2009-4490 affect?

CVE-2009-4490 affects mini httpd. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.0). mini_httpd 1.19 writes data to a log file without sanitizing non-printable characters, which might allow remote attackers to modify a window's title, or possibly execute arbitrary commands or overwrite files, via an HTTP request containing

How urgent is CVE-2009-4490?

Priority 46/100. EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Software pages

Apache HTTP Server vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2017-17663 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE UPGRADE The htpasswd implementation of mini_httpd before v1.28 and of thttpd before v2.28 is affected by a buffer over
CVE-2015-1548 MEDIUM 5.0 UPGRADE mini_httpd 1.21 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information from process memory via an
CVE-2001-0893 MEDIUM 5.0 UPGRADE Acme mini_httpd before 1.16 allows remote attackers to view sensitive files under the document root (such as .

References

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