Apache NiFi: Missing Authorization
CVE-2026-39816 is a high-severity missing authorization vulnerability in Apache NiFi from Apache, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected Apache NiFi versions: 2.0.0-M1 through 2.8.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.76% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 56% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Nifi to 2.9.0 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on lists.apache.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apache | Apache NiFi | 2.0.0-M1 through 2.8.0 | Not stated |
| Apache | Nifi | 2.0.0 up to, but not including, 2.9.0 | 2.9.0 |
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
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- 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:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 7.5 | High | CNA (apache.org) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
The optional extension component TinkerpopClientService is missing the Restricted annotation with the Execute Code Required Permission in Apache NiFi 2.0.0-M1 through 2.8.0. The TinkerpopClientService supports configuration of ByteCode Submission for the Script Submission Type, enabling Groovy Script execution in the service prior to submitting the query. The missing Restricted annotation allows users without the Execute Code Permission to configure the Service in installations that use fine-grained authorization and have the optional TinkerpopClientService installed. Apache NiFi installations that do not have the nifi-other-graph-services-nar installed are not subject to this vulnerability. Upgrading to Apache NiFi 2.9.0 is the recommended mitigation.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Missing Authorization
The product does not perform an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Divide the product into anonymous, normal, privileged, and administrative areas. Reduce the attack surface by carefully mapping roles with data and functionality. Use role-based access control (RBAC) to enforce the roles at the appropriate boundaries. Note that this approach may not protect against horizontal authorization, i.e., it will not protect a user from attacking others with the same role.
- Ensure that access control checks are performed related to the business logic. These checks may be different than the access control checks that are applied to more generic resources such as files, connections, processes, memory, and database records. For example, a database may restrict access for medical records to a specific database user, but each record might only be intended to be accessible to the patient and the patient's doctor.
- Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid. For example, consider using authorization frameworks such as the JAAS Authorization Framework and the OWASP ESAPI Access Control feature.
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
Advisories
Third-party and government advisories
- openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/13/8Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Apache NiFi
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.2 High severity
Recent Missing Authorization vulnerabilities
- 9.3 Critical severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 7.7 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.7 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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