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CVE-2026-97791

Apache CXF: STSTokenValidator can accept untrusted SAML assertions because it shares validation state between requests

Apache Software Foundation Apache CXF
CVSS
7.5High
ExploitationNo known exploitationNot in CISA KEV, which does not prove it is unexploitedCISA KEV
Exploit odds (EPSS)0.30%Chance of exploitation activity in the next 30 days, higher than 22% of CVEs. Scored 23 Oct 2026FIRST EPSS
Fixed in4.2.4Also 4.1.9, 3.6.13CVE List
Published9 Oct 2026Updated 15 Oct 2026CVE List

What fixes it

A fixed version on one release line is not the upgrade target for every line. Check your exact version and any vendor backports.

Description

In Apache CXF, STSTokenValidator checks whether a SAML assertion is signed by a trusted certificate before deciding to send it to the STS. That result was stored in one object shared by all requests, so one request could read another's result. A remote, unauthenticated attacker could send a forged assertion signed with an untrusted certificate while legitimate requests were being processed, and it could be accepted as trusted without ever reaching the STS. Only services that use STSTokenValidator to validate SAML tokens without alwaysValidateToSts set are affected. Users are recommended to upgrade to versions 4.2.4 or 4.1.9 or 3.6.13, which fix this issue.

Text from CVE List

Affected versions 3

  • Apache CXFaffected: 4.2.0 before 4.2.4CVE List
  • Apache CXFaffected: 4.0.0 before 4.1.9CVE List
  • Apache CXFaffected: all versions before 3.6.13CVE List

References 1