High 7.5Published Oct 9, 2026

CVE-2026-97791Apache CXF: STSTokenValidator can accept untrusted SAML assertions because it shares validation state between requests

Updated under an hour ago (2026-10-19 08:50 UTC)

Does this affect you?

It affects Apache Software Foundation Apache CXF. Add what you run to find out whether that includes you.

EPSS puts the chance of exploitation in the next 30 days at 0.25%, higher than 15% of scored CVEs.

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Every CVE for Apache Software Foundation Apache CXF

Exploited in the last 30 days

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.

CVSS: 7.5 HIGH (v3.1, CISA ADP)CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Weakness (CWE): CWE-362
Known exploited: Not in CISA's KEV catalog
EPSS (exploitation in the next 30 days): 0.25% (percentile 15)
Assigned by: apache
NVD analysis: Undergoing Analysis
Record last updated: Oct 15, 2026
First seen by InfoSec Signals: Oct 9, 2026

Affected products

Affected products

Apache Software Foundation Apache CXF apache_software_foundation:apache_cxf (from the name)	from 4.2.0 before 4.2.4; from 4.0.0 before 4.1.9; before 3.6.13	CNA record

References

https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/ssdr417qgms9fjl0m8802xd8170wnk1lvendor-advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/10/09/10

The CVE record on cve.org NVD's entry

The CVE record is authoritative. Products marked “from the name” were identified from the CNA's free-text names, not a CPE, and are matched less certainly. This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD.