External risk intelligence

Apache CXF LDAP Injection Allows Certificate Retrieval

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2026-44930

Apache CXF is a web services framework used to build and develop services. While these services can be exposed to the internet, the XKMS (XML Key Management System) component is typically an internal or partner-facing service used for certificate management rather than a public-facing web endpoint by default, making internet reachability possible but not inherently common.

Apache Cxf

before 3.6.114.0.0 to before 4.1.64.2.0

Halo Surface Signal: 3 out of 5 — possibly public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

An LDAP injection vulnerability has been identified in the XKMS server component of Apache CXF. This flaw could potentially allow unauthorized access to sensitive certificate information stored within the repository. The main concern at this time is to confirm the relevance and potential exposure of this specific component within our environments.

A flaw could expose certificate data.
Critical vulnerability in a web services framework.
Assess if XKMS component is in use.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted request to the XKMS server's LDAP Certificate repository. This could allow them to access and retrieve any certificate stored within the repository, potentially leading to further compromise.

No authentication or user interaction needed.
Triggered by sending a crafted LDAP request.
Allows retrieval of arbitrary certificates.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to retrieve arbitrary certificates from the XKMS server's LDAP certificate repository under certain supported conditions. This could potentially expose sensitive information related to certificate management.

Arbitrary certificates from the repository.
Via LDAP injection over the network.
Disclosure of sensitive certificate information.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

The Apache CXF LDAP Certificate repository's LDAP injection vulnerability impacts systems using the XKMS component. Infrastructure and platform teams are likely responsible for the underlying Apache CXF deployment, while application owners may manage specific integrations. The first step is to identify all instances of the XKMS component, assess their reachability and business criticality, and then assign ownership for remediation planning based on the identified risk.

Identify accountable teams.
Verify XKMS component exposure.
Plan risk-based remediation.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Apache CXF and how is it used?

Apache CXF is a software framework used by developers to build and support web services. It helps applications communicate with each other over a network. The XKMS (XML Key Management System) component specifically handles digital certificate management, acting as a secure repository for the keys needed to verify identity and encrypt data within these service integrations.

What does LDAP injection mean for CVE-2026-44930?

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-90, or Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query. In plain English, it means the system incorrectly handles input when talking to its certificate database. Because the server fails to properly filter commands, an attacker can supply malicious instructions to trick the system into revealing sensitive certificates that it should not have shared.

How does an attacker trigger this vulnerability?

An attacker triggers this flaw by sending a specially crafted request over the network to the XKMS component. This does not require the attacker to have an account, nor does it require any user interaction from a human. It is important to note that sending standard, non-malicious requests to the server does not trigger the bug; it only occurs when input is specifically engineered to bypass the repository's security controls.

Do I need to worry if my Apache CXF server is internal?

According to Halo Surface Signal, you should prioritize this based on accessibility. While Apache CXF services can be internet-facing, the XKMS component is typically used for internal or partner-facing certificate management. If your instance is locked to a private network, the risk is lower than if it is exposed to the public internet, though you should still verify if your configuration allows external reach.

When should I upgrade to fix CVE-2026-44930?

You should plan to upgrade as soon as you confirm the XKMS component is active in your environment. Since this is a critical vulnerability, the first step is to locate all instances of Apache CXF and determine which teams own them. Once you have identified these systems, schedule an update to versions 4.2.1, 4.1.6, or 3.6.11, as these releases contain the necessary code changes to stop unauthorized certificate retrieval.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.