CVE-2026-8503: Apache::Session::Generate::SHA256 versions before 1.3.19 for Perl create insecure session ids. Apache::Sessio

Q: How do I fix CVE-2026-8503?

apache\: upgrade to 1.3.19. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2026-8503 being exploited?

CVE-2026-8503 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2026-8503 affect?

CVE-2026-8503 affects apache\. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). Apache::Session::Generate::SHA256 versions before 1.3.19 for Perl create insecure session ids. Apache::Session::Generate::SHA256 generated session ids insecurely. The default session id generator returns a SHA-256 hash of the built-in rand

Q: How urgent is CVE-2026-8503?

Priority 37/100. Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

Routine

MEDIUM 6.5REMOTEWATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-8503 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.5) affecting apache\. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Apache::Session::Generate::SHA256 versions before 1.3.19 for Perl create insecure session ids. Apache::Session::Generate::SHA256 generated session ids insecurely. The default session id generator returns a SHA-256 hash of the built-in rand() function, the epoch time, and the PID, that is hashed again. These are predictable, low-entropy sources. Predicable session ids could allow an attacker to gain access to systems. Note that version 1.3.19 ha

Why this priority

Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 85%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-338, CWE-340
Published	2026-05-15
Last modified	2026-10-26

Publisher (CNA): CPANSec · Vendor: guimard

Last updated 2026-10-26 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-05-15 12:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-26 14:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

guimard apache\ UPGRADE

Affected: < 1.3.19

Fixed in: 1.3.19

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy apache || rpm -q apache || apache --version

2. UPGRADE to 1.3.19 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade apache

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade apache

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

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-2026-8503?

apache\: upgrade to 1.3.19. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-8503 being exploited?

CVE-2026-8503 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-2026-8503 affect?

CVE-2026-8503 affects apache\. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). Apache::Session::Generate::SHA256 versions before 1.3.19 for Perl create insecure session ids. Apache::Session::Generate::SHA256 generated session ids insecurely. The default session id generator returns a SHA-256 hash of the built-in rand

How urgent is CVE-2026-8503?

Priority 37/100. Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

Software pages

Perl vulnerabilities

References

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