Apache CXF LDAP Injection Flaw (CVE-2026-44930) Exposes Digital Certificates
A critical vulnerability in Apache CXF, tracked as CVE-2026-44930, has been disclosed, posing risks to enterprises using its XKMS (XML Key Management Specification) services for certificate management. The flaw, rated as important severity, stems from improper input validation in the LDAP-based certificate repository component, enabling attackers to extract arbitrary digital certificates from vulnerable systems.
The issue affects Apache CXF versions 4.2.0 before 4.2.1, 4.0.0 through 4.1.5, and all versions prior to 3.6.11. Exploitation occurs when attackers craft malicious LDAP queries to manipulate search filters, bypassing access controls and retrieving certificates beyond their authorized scope. While the vulnerability does not permit remote code execution, compromised certificates could facilitate impersonation, encrypted traffic interception, or lateral movement within corporate networks.
The flaw was publicly disclosed on May 22, 2026, via the Apache developer mailing list. The Apache Software Foundation has released patched versions (4.2.1, 4.1.6, and 3.6.11) that implement stricter input validation to mitigate LDAP injection risks. Organizations using affected versions particularly those leveraging XKMS for certificate lifecycle management are urged to upgrade immediately.
The incident underscores the persistent threat of injection vulnerabilities in enterprise middleware, where even modern frameworks can expose sensitive cryptographic assets if directory query handling is flawed.
Source: https://cybersecuritynews.com/apache-cxf-ldap-injection-vulnerability/
The Apache Software Foundation cybersecurity rating report: https://www.rankiteo.com/company/the-apache-software-foundation
"id": "THE1779798415",
"linkid": "the-apache-software-foundation",
"type": "Vulnerability",
"date": "5/2026",
"severity": "85",
"impact": "4",
"explanation": "Attack with significant impact with customers data leaks"{'affected_entities': [{'customers_affected': 'Enterprises using Apache CXF '
'XKMS services',
'industry': 'Technology/Software',
'name': 'Apache CXF',
'type': 'Software Framework'}],
'attack_vector': 'Malicious LDAP queries',
'data_breach': {'data_exfiltration': 'Possible via LDAP injection',
'sensitivity_of_data': 'High (cryptographic assets)',
'type_of_data_compromised': 'Digital certificates'},
'date_publicly_disclosed': '2026-05-22',
'description': 'A critical vulnerability in Apache CXF, tracked as '
'CVE-2026-44930, has been disclosed, posing risks to '
'enterprises using its XKMS (XML Key Management Specification) '
'services for certificate management. The flaw stems from '
'improper input validation in the LDAP-based certificate '
'repository component, enabling attackers to extract arbitrary '
'digital certificates from vulnerable systems. Exploitation '
'occurs when attackers craft malicious LDAP queries to '
'manipulate search filters, bypassing access controls and '
'retrieving certificates beyond their authorized scope. '
'Compromised certificates could facilitate impersonation, '
'encrypted traffic interception, or lateral movement within '
'corporate networks.',
'impact': {'data_compromised': 'Digital certificates',
'operational_impact': 'Impersonation, encrypted traffic '
'interception, lateral movement',
'systems_affected': 'Apache CXF XKMS services'},
'lessons_learned': 'Persistent threat of injection vulnerabilities in '
'enterprise middleware, especially in directory query '
'handling for cryptographic assets.',
'post_incident_analysis': {'corrective_actions': 'Stricter input validation '
'for LDAP queries in patched '
'versions',
'root_causes': 'Improper input validation in '
'LDAP-based certificate repository '
'component'},
'recommendations': 'Upgrade to patched versions (4.2.1, 4.1.6, 3.6.11) '
'immediately. Implement stricter input validation for LDAP '
'queries.',
'references': [{'source': 'Apache developer mailing list'}],
'response': {'communication_strategy': 'Public disclosure via Apache '
'developer mailing list',
'containment_measures': 'Upgrade to patched versions (4.2.1, '
'4.1.6, 3.6.11)',
'remediation_measures': 'Stricter input validation for LDAP '
'queries'},
'title': 'Apache CXF LDAP Injection Flaw (CVE-2026-44930) Exposes Digital '
'Certificates',
'type': 'LDAP Injection',
'vulnerability_exploited': 'CVE-2026-44930'}