nitrite-java: Deserialization of Untrusted Data
CVE-2026-64678 is a critical-severity deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability in nitrite-java from Nitrite, 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 nitrite-java versions: < 4.4.1. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.66% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 52% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of nitrite-java you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrite | nitrite-java | < 4.4.1 | 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
- 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 CNA (github.com).
Official description
NOsql Object (NO2 a.k.a Nitrite) database is an open source nosql embedded document store. Prior to version 4.4.1, when Nitrite opens a database file, MVStoreUtils.openOrCreate() automatically checks for a legacy v1-format store and, on detecting one (or hitting a compatibility error while opening), triggers an automatic migration path. This path deserializes stored values using NitriteDataType.deserialize(byte[]), which passes the raw bytes directly to java.io.ObjectInputStream.readObject() via a custom NitriteObjectInputStream subclass. That subclass overrides only readClassDescriptor() — solely to remap a handful of known legacy class names to their current equivalents — and implements no class allowlist, blocklist, or ObjectInputFilter (JEP 290). Any Serializable class reachable on the embedding application's classpath can therefore be instantiated via readObject(), with readObject()/readExternal()/readResolve() callbacks invoked unconditionally. If a suitable gadget class (e.g. from commons-collections or similar) happens to be present on the classpath, this is a precondition for remote code execution. This issue has been patched in version 4.4.1.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Deserialization of Untrusted Data
The product deserializes untrusted data without sufficiently ensuring that the resulting data will be valid.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If available, use the signing/sealing features of the programming language to assure that deserialized data has not been tainted. For example, a hash-based message authentication code (HMAC) could be used to ensure that data has not been modified.
- When deserializing data, populate a new object rather than just deserializing. The result is that the data flows through safe input validation and that the functions are safe.
- Explicitly define a final object() to prevent deserialization.
More Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerabilities (CWE-502)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Recent Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.5 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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