CVE-2026-40023

Apache Log4cxx, Apache Log4cxx (Conan), Apache Log4cxx (Brew): Silent log event loss in XMLLayout due to unescaped XML 1.0 forbidden characters

MEDIUM
5.3
CVSS Score
Published: April 10, 2026 at 03:45 PM UTC
Updated: June 17, 2026 at 10:44 AM UTC
1 product affected across 1 vendorLOG4CXX

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Severity
MEDIUM5.3
Exploit prediction
EPSS 0.5%
SSVC
No known exploit

Description

Apache Log4cxx's XMLLayout https://logging.apache.org/log4cxx/1.7.0/classlog4cxx_1_1xml_1_1XMLLayout.html , in versions before 1.7.0, fails to sanitize characters forbidden by the XML 1.0 specification https://www.w3.org/TR/xml/#charsets in log messages, NDC, and MDC property keys and values, producing invalid XML output. Conforming XML parsers must reject such documents with a fatal error, which may cause downstream log processing systems to drop or fail to index affected records. An attacker who can influence logged data can exploit this to suppress individual log records, impairing audit trails and detection of malicious activity. Users are advised to upgrade to Apache Log4cxx 1.7.0, which fixes this issue.

Affected

Our own answer: ranges merged, affected separated from platform-only, with confidence and review flags.

v < 1.7.0
Affected range stops below 1.7.0, so it looks safe — our inference, not a vendor statement

References (6)

PatchIssue Tracking
Source: cverecord
https://github.com/apache/logging-log4cxx/pull/609
Vendor AdvisoryProduct
Source: cverecord
https://logging.apache.org/cyclonedx/vdr.xml
Vendor AdvisoryMailing List
Source: cverecord
https://lists.apache.org/thread/y15cv3zblg3dfwr5vy6ddbnl4zyrzr8b
Mailing ListThird Party Advisory
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/10/12

SSVC — Action Prioritization

SSVCNo known exploitNot automatablePartial impact

SSVC signals action urgency (what to patch first), separate from CVSS which measures severity.

CVSS

Attack Vector
NETWORK
Complexity
LOW
Privileges
NONE
User Interaction
NONE
Scope
UNCHANGED
Confidentiality
NONE
Integrity
LOW
Availability
NONE
Vector?

Quick Info

StatusANALYZED
CWE
CWE-116

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