Apache 2.2.15 is an older web server version still running on 573 websites worldwide. While it doesn't have critical vulnerabilities, it contains 4 medium-severity security flaws that can expose your site to denial-of-service attacks and request handling exploits. These vulnerabilities have been known since 2010, making any server still using this version a potential target for attackers.
If your website runs on Apache 2.2.15, you need to understand these risks and take action immediately. This guide walks you through identifying if you're vulnerable, understanding the threats, and implementing a secure upgrade path. The good news: upgrading is straightforward and essential for protecting your site and users.
Apache is the world's most popular open-source web server software. It's the engine that powers websites by handling incoming requests from visitors' browsers and delivering your web pages. Apache 2.2.15, released in 2010, was a stable version used by many websites for years. However, like all software, it has security weaknesses that were discovered over time and documented as CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures).
Version 2.2.15 specifically had issues with how it handles certain types of requests from website visitors. These weaknesses don't steal data directly, but they can allow attackers to crash your website or cause performance problems. Because this version is over a decade old, modern security tools and attackers know about these flaws, making it an easy target. Modern Apache versions have fixed these issues and added new security features that protect against today's threats.
4 CVEs found. The most critical are explained below.
Apache has a flaw in how it handles requests without a message body when using AJP proxy connections. An attacker can send a specially crafted request that causes your backend server to stop responding.
Impact: Your website could become unavailable because the backend server crashes or stops processing requests, affecting all users trying to access your site.
↗ View on NVDOn Windows, NetWare, and OS/2 systems, Apache doesn't properly detect when proxy connections hang or timeout. This allows attackers to potentially see sensitive information from your server.
Impact: Confidential data could be exposed to attackers, and your server may consume resources on stuck connections, degrading performance.
↗ View on NVDAttackers can send incomplete HTTP requests very slowly to tie up your server's resources. Without proper timeout protection, Apache keeps these connections open indefinitely.
Impact: Your website becomes unavailable when attackers overwhelm it with slow, incomplete requests, affecting legitimate users' ability to access your site.
↗ View on NVDWhen Apache processes subrequests with multithreaded setup, it doesn't properly handle request headers in certain situations. This can expose sensitive data to attackers.
Impact: Confidential information stored in request headers or processed by your application could be accessed by remote attackers.
↗ View on NVDScan your site in 30 seconds. Used by 500+ web agencies.
Apache 2.2.15 exposes your website to four medium-severity vulnerabilities that can cause denial-of-service attacks and request handling errors. These aren't theoretical risks—they've been exploited in the wild since 2010. The 573 websites still using this version are operating with known security gaps that modern attackers actively target. Upgrading to a current Apache version is one of the most important security improvements you can make.
Don't wait for a breach to force action. Use SiteRecipe.com's vulnerability scanner to continuously monitor your server for outdated software, misconfigurations, and security flaws. Our platform automatically detects vulnerable versions like Apache 2.2.15 and alerts you to take action before attackers find your site. Start your free security assessment today and keep your infrastructure protected against known threats.
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