Outdated Web Server and MySQL Glitches Show Up in Plane’s In-Flight Entertainment System

Bork! Bork! Bork! Faults can happen even to the best, but revealing one’s underwear to the boss while soaring at 35,000 feet is less than ideal in an airline setting.

Earlier this year, Qualys CEO Sumedh Thakar experienced a technical snafu when his in-flight entertainment (IFE) system displayed two errors: a typical web server failure and some MySQL connection issues. Fortunately, the IFE isn’t connected directly to the aircraft's critical avionics, which likely prevented a more serious incident. Notably, Thakar’s screen revealed an ancient version of the Apache HTTP Server — version 2.0.42.

This version of Apache was released way back in September 2002. It’s been nearly 13 years since official security support for Apache 2.0 ended in July 2013, by which time the development team had moved on to newer projects. Meanwhile, the IFE in question persisted on this outdated software.

For historical perspective, Windows XP debuted just the year before, and “Attack of the Clones” was lighting up theaters. The iPhone was still in the future, with Apple’s iPod dominating portable music players, and BlackBerry’s 5810 was the device of choice for professionals seeking email access on the go.

A Trip Down Memory Lane and an Outdated System

Today, BlackBerry is a thing of the past, Windows XP evokes nostalgia, and most modern travelers expect their devices and entertainment systems to be up to date. Yet, some in-flight systems still run years-old software, like Apache 2.0.42, which persists in the never-updated world of airline entertainment.

In addition to the outdated web server, Thakar's system also displayed MySQL connection issues—possibly indicating the equipment might be from Thales, known for its aviation systems that tout “a journey filled with unique experiences.” However, seeing connection errors and ancient software on the big screen probably isn’t the memorable experience the airline hoped to provide.

Final Thoughts

Given recent incidents involving Airbus’s onboard systems, such as avionic glitches, it might not be a bad idea if airlines reconsider updating their entertainment software—perhaps replacing the in-flight movie with a “MySQL horror story” or an “Apache thriller.” After all, in the sky, reliability and security should be as high as the altitude.