PatchTheCVECVE-2019-5645: By sending a specially crafted HTTP GET request to a listening Rapid7 Metasploit HTTP handler, an attacker can
CVE-2019-5645 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting metasploit. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
By sending a specially crafted HTTP GET request to a listening Rapid7 Metasploit HTTP handler, an attacker can register an arbitrary regular expression. When evaluated, this malicious handler can either prevent new HTTP handler sessions from being established, or cause a resource exhaustion on the Metasploit server.
Why this priority
- High severity
- EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited
- Public exploit reference
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 7.5 (High) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 49.2% (top 1%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-400 |
| Published | 2020-09-01 |
| Last modified | 2026-10-23 |
Last updated 2026-10-23 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Exact fixes by distribution
Public exploits and detection
Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.
- Metasploit: Metasploit HTTP(S) handler DoS
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-2019-5645?
metasploit: upgrade to newer than 5.0.27. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2019-5645 being exploited?
CVE-2019-5645 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-2019-5645 affect?
CVE-2019-5645 affects metasploit. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). By sending a specially crafted HTTP GET request to a listening Rapid7 Metasploit HTTP handler, an attacker can register an arbitrary regular expression. When evaluated, this malicious handler can either prevent new HTTP handler sessions fro
How urgent is CVE-2019-5645?
Priority 61/100. High severity; EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action