Apache Tomcat: Improper Authentication
CVE-2026-86248 is a critical-severity improper authentication vulnerability in Apache Tomcat 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. Affected Apache Tomcat versions: 11.0.0-M14 through 11.0.25; 10.1.22 through 10.1.59; 9.0.92 through 9.0.121. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.5% 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
- Check which version of Apache Tomcat you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- 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 Tomcat | 11.0.0-M14 through 11.0.25; 10.1.22 through 10.1.59; 9.0.92 through 9.0.121 | 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 CISA (ADP).
Official description
CLIENT_CERT authentication does not fail as expected for some scenarios when soft fail is disabled vulnerability in Apache Tomcat. This issue affects Apache Tomcat: from 11.0.0-M14 through 11.0.25, from 10.1.22 through 10.1.59, from 9.0.92 through 9.0.121. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 11.0.26, 10.1.60 or 9.0.122, which fix the issue.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Apache Tomcat
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.0 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.