Critical HTTP/2 Bomb Vulnerability Threatens Major Web Servers
In June 2026, cybersecurity researchers identified a critical remote denial-of-service (DoS) vulnerability, termed 'HTTP/2 Bomb,' affecting major web servers including NGINX, Apache HTTPD, Microsoft IIS, Envoy, and Cloudflare Pingora. This exploit leverages the HPACK header compression scheme in HTTP/2, allowing a single attacker to rapidly exhaust server memory by sending minimal data that results in significant memory allocation. A single client on a standard home internet connection can consume up to 32GB of server memory in approximately 20 seconds, rendering the server inaccessible. The discovery of the HTTP/2 Bomb underscores the evolving nature of cyber threats targeting foundational internet protocols. This incident highlights the necessity for continuous vigilance and prompt patching of server software to mitigate emerging vulnerabilities. Organizations are advised to review and adjust their HTTP/2 configurations to prevent potential exploitation.
Kill Chain