MarkLogic Server: Incorrect Implementation of Authentication Algorithm
CVE-2026-85972 is a high-severity incorrect implementation of authentication algorithm vulnerability in MarkLogic Server from Progress Software, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.4 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 11.3.7, 12.1.0 as the first without the flaw, so updating MarkLogic Server to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.32% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update MarkLogic Server to 11.3.7 or 12.1.0, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progress Software | MarkLogic Server | 11.0.0 up to, but not including, 11.3.7; 12.0.0 up to, but not including, 12.1.0 | 11.3.7, 12.1.0 |
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
- HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
- 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:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N. Scored by CNA (progress.com).
Official description
Progress MarkLogic Server 12.x releases before 12.1.0 and 11.x releases before 11.3.7 do not sufficiently verify the identity of a Kerberos authentication service in certain password-based authentication configurations. A network-positioned attacker could impersonate trusted authentication infrastructure, potentially resulting in unauthorized access or modification of protected data.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Incorrect Implementation of Authentication Algorithm
The requirements for the product dictate the use of an established authentication algorithm, but the implementation of the algorithm is incorrect.
More Incorrect Implementation of Authentication Algorithm vulnerabilities (CWE-303)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in MarkLogic Server
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
Recent Incorrect Implementation of Authentication Algorithm vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.2 Critical severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 9.2 Critical severity
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