CVE-2026-33691: OWASP CRS: Whitespace padding in filenames bypasses file upload extension checks

Published Mar 29, 2026
·
Updated

The OWASP core rule set (CRS) is a set of generic attack detection rules for use with compatible web application firewalls. Prior to versions 3.3.9 and 4.25.0, a bypass was identified in OWASP CRS that allows uploading files with dangerous extensions (.php, .phar, .jsp, .jspx) by inserting whitespace padding in the filename (e.g. photo. php or shell.jsp ). The affected rules do not normalize whitespace before evaluating the file extension regex, so the dot-extension check fails to match. This issue has been patched in versions 3.3.9 and 4.25.0.

Affected Software

3 affected components
OWASP OWASP Core Rule Set
OWASP OWASP ModSecurity Core Rule Set<3.3.9
OWASP OWASP ModSecurity Core Rule Set>=4.0.0<4.25.0

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 3.3.9Patch CVE-2026-33691
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.25.0Patch CVE-2026-33691

Event History

Apr 2, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·03:03 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·03:03 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·04:16 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-33691?

CVE-2026-33691 is considered a high-severity vulnerability due to its potential to allow unauthorized file uploads.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-33691?

To fix CVE-2026-33691, upgrade to OWASP Core Rule Set version 3.3.9 or later, or 4.25.0 or later.

3

What is the nature of the vulnerability in CVE-2026-33691?

CVE-2026-33691 involves whitespace padding in filenames that enables bypassing file upload extension checks.

4

Which versions of the OWASP Core Rule Set are affected by CVE-2026-33691?

Versions prior to 3.3.9 and between 4.0.0 and 4.25.0 of the OWASP Core Rule Set are affected by CVE-2026-33691.

5

What can happen if I don't address CVE-2026-33691?

If CVE-2026-33691 is not addressed, attackers may exploit the vulnerability to upload malicious files, compromising the security of the application.

Contact

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