Apache MINA SSHD: Missing Critical Step in Authentication
CVE-2026-94052 is a critical-severity missing critical step in authentication vulnerability in Apache MINA SSHD 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 2.20.0, 3.0.0-M6 as the first without the flaw, so updating Apache MINA SSHD to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.37% 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 MINA SSHD to 2.20.0 or 3.0.0-M6, 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 MINA SSHD | 1.2.0 up to, but not including, 2.20.0; 3.0.0-M1 up to, but not including, 3.0.0-M6 | 2.20.0, 3.0.0-M6 |
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 CNA (apache.org).
Official description
A missing check in LdapPasswordAuthenticator in component sshd-ldap in Apache MINA SSHD versions 1.2.0 to 2.19.0 or 3.0.0-M1 to 3.0.0-M5 bypassed authentication checks. Apache MINA SSHD is a Java library for client-side and server-side SSH. The optional sshd-ldap component provides support for integrating password and publickey authentication on the server side with an LDAP server. sshd-ldap is an optional component. SSH servers implemented with Apache MINA SSHD are affected only if they use sshd-ldap and do configure an LdapPasswordAuthenticator to be used for password authentication. Normal password authentication via the built-in mechanisms in sshd-core is _not_ affected by this vulnerability, which concerns only LdapPasswordAuthenticator. Users are recommended to upgrade affected applications to version 2.20.0 or 3.0.0-M6, which fix this issue.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Missing Critical Step in Authentication
The product implements an authentication technique, but it skips a step that weakens the technique.
More Missing Critical Step in Authentication vulnerabilities (CWE-304)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Apache MINA SSHD
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
Recent Missing Critical Step in Authentication vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
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