Apache WSS4J: Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity
CVE-2026-89238 is a critical-severity insufficient verification of data authenticity vulnerability in Apache WSS4J 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 versions 4.0.2, 3.0.6, 2.4.4 as the first without the flaw, so updating Apache WSS4J to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.33% 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 WSS4J to 4.0.2 or 3.0.6 or 2.4.4, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Update Wss4j to 2.4.4 or 3.0.6 or 4.0.2, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on lists.apache.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- 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 WSS4J | 4.0.0 up to, but not including, 4.0.2; 3.0.0 up to, but not including, 3.0.6; before 2.4.4 | 4.0.2, 3.0.6, 2.4.4 |
| Apache | Wss4j | before 2.4.4; 3.0.0 up to, but not including, 3.0.6; 4.0.0 up to, but not including, 4.0.2 | 2.4.4, 3.0.6, 4.0.2 |
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
WSS4J EncryptedHeader child confusion could promote an attacker-controlled plaintext element as the decrypted header, leading to incorrect confidentiality coverage and possible policy bypass. Users are recommended to upgrade to versions 4.0.2 or 3.0.6 or 2.4.4, which fix this issue.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity
The product does not sufficiently verify the origin or authenticity of data, in a way that causes it to accept invalid data.
More Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity vulnerabilities (CWE-345)
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
Advisories
Third-party and government advisories
- openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/09/30/11Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in Apache WSS4J
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity vulnerabilities
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.1 High severity
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