CVE-2026-41115: An improper authorization vulnerability has been identified in Apache Kafka. The implementation of the CONSUM

Routine

MEDIUM 4.3WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-41115 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.3) affecting kafka. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

An improper authorization vulnerability has been identified in Apache Kafka. The implementation of the CONSUMER_GROUP_DESCRIBE (69) API validates the DESCRIBE operation on the GROUP resource instead of the READ operation that documented in the official kafka documentation and the KIP-848. This discrepancy can result in misconfigured Access Control Lists (ACLs) and unintended security postures, like granting READ permission to users who should no

Why this priority

On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.3 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 79%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-285
Published	2026-06-02
Last modified	2026-07-22

Publisher (CNA): Apache Software Foundation · Vendor: apache

Last updated 2026-07-22 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-06-02 10:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-07-22 19:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

apache kafka UPGRADE

Affected: >= 4.0.0 and <= 4.3.0

Fixed in: newer than 4.3.0

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.0.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy kafka || rpm -q kafka || kafka --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 4.3.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade kafka

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade kafka

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison kafka sudo apt install kafka=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold kafka

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list kafka sudo dnf downgrade kafka-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add kafka

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-41115?

kafka: upgrade to newer than 4.3.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-41115 being exploited?

CVE-2026-41115 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-41115 affect?

CVE-2026-41115 affects kafka. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.3). An improper authorization vulnerability has been identified in Apache Kafka. The implementation of the CONSUMER_GROUP_DESCRIBE (69) API validates the DESCRIBE operation on the GROUP resource instead of the READ operation that documented in

How urgent is CVE-2026-41115?

Priority 25/100. On your watchlist

Software pages

Apache Kafka vulnerabilities

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References

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