Apache Tomcat: Missing Critical Step in Authentication
CVE-2026-101296 is a high-severity missing critical step in authentication vulnerability in Apache Tomcat from Apache, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Apache Tomcat versions: 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.26; 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.60; 9.0.0.M1 through 9.0.122, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.59% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Apache Tomcat you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apache | Apache Tomcat | 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.26; 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.60; 9.0.0.M1 through 9.0.122; 8.5.0 through 8.5.100; 7.0.0 through 7.0.109 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CISA (ADP).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 9.1 | Critical | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.1 | High | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
A missing critical step in authentication vulnerability in Apache Tomcat when the JNDI realm was configured with with a non GSSAPI SASL authentication mechanism allowed attackers to authenticate without providing the correct password. This issue affects Apache Tomcat: from 11.0.0-M1 through 11.0.26, from 10.1.0-M1 through 10.1.60, from 9.0.0.M1 through 9.0.122. The following versions were EOL at the time the CVE was created but are known to be affected: from 8.5.0 through 8.5.100, from 7.0.0 through 7.0.109. Other unsupported versions may also be affected. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 11.0.27, 10.1.61 or 9.0.123, which fix the issue.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Missing Critical Step in Authentication
The product implements an authentication technique, but it skips a step that weakens the technique.
More Missing Critical Step in Authentication vulnerabilities (CWE-304)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Apache Tomcat
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Missing Critical Step in Authentication vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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