Apache Calcite Avatica: Use of Externally-Controlled Input to Select Classes or Code
CVE-2026-70410 is a high-severity use of externally-controlled input to select classes or code vulnerability in Apache Calcite Avatica 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. The record lists version 1.29.0 as the first without the flaw, so updating Apache Calcite Avatica to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.64% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 51% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Apache Calcite Avatica to 1.29.0 or a later version.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apache | Apache Calcite Avatica | before 1.29.0 | 1.29.0 |
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 CISA (ADP).
Official description
Use of Externally-Controlled Input to Select Classes or Code ('Unsafe Reflection') vulnerability in Apache Calcite Avatica. Plugin instantiation (via AvaticaUtils#instantiatePlugin and other methods) initializes arbitrary classes via unrestricted calls to Class.forName(String) which by default triggers initialization. This may lead to the execution of static initializer blocks in arbitrary classes present in the classpath. The instantiation APIs should initialize and instantiate only classes implementing the specified plugin interface passed as input in conjunction with the desired classname. At the moment of writing, there are no well-known or widely used classes with dangerous static initializer blocks so the severity is low. This issue affects Apache Calcite Avatica: before 1.29.0. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 1.29.0, which fixes the issue.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Use of Externally-Controlled Input to Select Classes or Code
The product uses external input with reflection to select which classes or code to use, but it does not sufficiently prevent the input from selecting improper classes or code.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Refactor your code to avoid using reflection.
- Do not use user-controlled inputs to select and load classes or code.
- Apply strict input validation by using allowlists or indirect selection to ensure that the user is only selecting allowable classes or code.
More Use of Externally-Controlled Input to Select Classes or Code vulnerabilities (CWE-470)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Apache Calcite Avatica
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Use of Externally-Controlled Input to Select Classes or Code vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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