CVE-2026-97791

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

HIGH
7.5
CVSS Score
Published: October 9, 2026 at 10:19 AM UTC
Updated: October 20, 2026 at 12:38 PM UTC
1 product affected across 1 vendorCXF

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Severity
HIGH7.5
Exploit prediction
EPSS 0.3%
SSVC
No known exploit

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.

Affected

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

95%
v < 3.6.134.0.0 ≤ v < 4.1.94.2.0 ≤ v < 4.2.44.0.04.2.0

Remediation

No guide yet

No remediation guidance has been written for this CVE yet. What the record does show:

References (2)

Vendor AdvisoryIssue Tracking
Source: cverecord
https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/ssdr417qgms9fjl0m8802xd8170wnk1l
Mailing ListThird Party Advisory
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/10/09/10

SSVC — Action Prioritization

SSVCNo known exploitAutomatablePartial impact

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

CVSS

7.5HIGHCISA-ADP
Attack Vector
NETWORK
Complexity
LOW
Privileges
NONE
User Interaction
NONE
Scope
UNCHANGED
Confidentiality
NONE
Integrity
NONE
Availability
HIGH
Vector?

Quick Info

StatusANALYZED
CWE
CWE-362

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