Apache Kerby: Missing Critical Step in Authentication
CVE-2026-57915 is a high-severity missing critical step in authentication vulnerability in Apache Kerby from Apache, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.3 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 2.1.2 as the first without the flaw, so updating Apache Kerby to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.53% 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
- Update Apache Kerby to 2.1.2 or a later version.
- 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 Kerby | before 2.1.2 | 2.1.2 |
| Red Hat | Red Hat AMQ Clients | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat Data Grid 8 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat Fuse 7 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat JBoss Enterprise Application Platform Expansion Pack | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | streams for Apache Kafka 2 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | streams for Apache Kafka 3 | Not specified in the record | 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
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- 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
- LowSome restricted data can be read.
- Integrity
- LowLimited modification of data is possible.
- Availability
- LowPerformance or availability is reduced.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L. Scored by CNA.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.3 | High | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.3 | High | CNA |
Official description
It is possible to bypass the Kerberos pre-authentication check in Apache Kerby by sending a PA-DATA with an unrecognized or unsupported type. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 2.1.2, which fixes this 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: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Recent Missing Critical Step in Authentication vulnerabilities
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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