Apache James: Initialization of a Resource with an Insecure Default
CVE-2026-74756 is a critical-severity initialization of a resource with an insecure default vulnerability in Apache James from Apache, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.1 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 3.9.1 as the first without the flaw, so updating Apache James to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.39% 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 James to 3.9.1 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 James | before 3.9.1 | 3.9.1 |
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
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N. Scored by CISA (ADP).
Official description
Some docker-compose shipped by the project exposes by default Webadmin REST API publically without proper authentication setup. Version 3.9.1 onward sets a random credential by default on unprotected webadmin endpoints to prevent this while retain convenience.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Initialization of a Resource with an Insecure Default
The product initializes or sets a resource with a default that is intended to be changed by the product's installer, administrator, or maintainer, but the default is not secure.
More Initialization of a Resource with an Insecure Default vulnerabilities (CWE-1188)
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
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Apache James
- 8.7 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Initialization of a Resource with an Insecure Default vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
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