Apache Impala: Incorrect Implementation of Authentication Algorithm
CVE-2026-97720 is a critical-severity incorrect implementation of authentication algorithm vulnerability in Apache Impala 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. Affected Apache Impala versions: 4.1.0 through 4.5.2. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. 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.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of Apache Impala 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 Impala | 4.1.0 through 4.5.2 | 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
- 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
Incorrect implementation of JWT/OAuth authentication in Impala executors in Apache Impala versions up to and including 4.5.2 which allows attacked to access resources served by the executor's webserver when that webserver is configured to accept JWT/OAuth tokens. Bearer token (JWT) signatures are not validated resulting in the webserver accepting any valid JWT. Users are recommended to either disable JWT/OAuth auth for Impala executors or upgrade to version 4.5.3, which fixes this issue.
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: yes, technical impact: total).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Apache Impala
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Incorrect Implementation of Authentication Algorithm vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.2 Critical severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 9.2 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
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