Apache Syncope: Improper Privilege Management
CVE-2026-62183 is a critical-severity improper privilege management vulnerability in Apache Syncope from Apache, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Apache Syncope versions: 3.0.0-M0 through 3.0.16; 4.0.0-M0 through 4.0.6; 4.1.0-M0 through 4.1.1. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.86% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 59% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update Syncope to 4.0.7 or 4.1.2, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on lists.apache.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- 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 Syncope | 3.0.0-M0 through 3.0.16; 4.0.0-M0 through 4.0.6; 4.1.0-M0 through 4.1.1 | Not stated |
| Apache | Syncope | 3.0.0 through 3.0.16; 4.0.0 up to, but not including, 4.0.7; 4.1.0 up to, but not including, 4.1.2 | 4.0.7, 4.1.2 |
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
- 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:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CISA (ADP).
Official description
Improper Privilege Management vulnerability in Apache Syncope. When: * the all-Java user workflow adapter is configured, or * the Flowable user workflow adapter is configured, bearing a BPMN definition not requiring admin approval for user self registration of self update requests the following scenario could happen. A REST API call can allow the user to grant themselves one or more of defined Roles, thus gaining their Entitlements and becoming in fact an administrator; the actual Entitlements gained depend on the Roles that are effectively defined on the specific Syncope deployment. This issue affects Apache Syncope: from 3.0.0-M0 through 3.0.16, from 4.0.0-M0 Through 4.0.6, from 4.1.0-M0 through 4.1.1. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 4.0.7 / 4.1.2, which fix this issue.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Privilege Management
The product does not properly assign, modify, track, or check privileges for an actor, creating an unintended sphere of control for that actor.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Very carefully manage the setting, management, and handling of privileges. Explicitly manage trust zones in the software.
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.
- Consider following the principle of separation of privilege. Require multiple conditions to be met before permitting access to a system resource.
More Improper Privilege Management vulnerabilities (CWE-269)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, 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/2026/07/20/9Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in Apache Syncope
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Improper Privilege Management vulnerabilities
- 7.1 High severity
- 9.4 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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