Apache Johnzon: Use of Externally-Controlled Input to Select Classes or Code
CVE-2026-71253 is a critical-severity use of externally-controlled input to select classes or code vulnerability in Apache Johnzon 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. The record lists versions 2.2.0, 1.3.1 as the first without the flaw, so updating Apache Johnzon to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.38% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update Apache Johnzon to 2.2.0 or 1.3.1, whichever matches your release line, 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 Johnzon | 2.0.0 up to, but not including, 2.2.0; 1.0.0 up to, but not including, 1.3.1 | 2.2.0, 1.3.1 |
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
Use of Externally-Controlled Input to Select Classes or Code ('Unsafe Reflection') vulnerability in Apache Johnzon. ClassConverter loads & static-initializes an attacker-named class from untrusted JSON. This issue affects Apache Johnzon: from 1.0.0 before 2.2.0. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 1.3.1 (javax namespace) or 2.2.0 (jakarta specification namespace), 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: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Other references
Recent Use of Externally-Controlled Input to Select Classes or Code vulnerabilities
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.