CVE-2026-41726: When an application opts into DelegatingDeserializer, a producer can grow the consumer's heap without bound by

Routine

MEDIUM 6.5WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-41726 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.5) affecting spring for apache kafka. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

When an application opts into DelegatingDeserializer, a producer can grow the consumer's heap without bound by sending records with unique random spring.kafka.serialization.selector header values, eventually causing GC thrash and OutOfMemoryError. Affected versions: Spring for Apache Kafka 4.0.0 through 4.0.5; 3.3.0 through 3.3.15; 3.2.0 through 3.2.13; 2.9.0 through 2.9.13; 2.8.0 through 2.8.11.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 78%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-770
Published	2026-06-10
Last modified	2026-07-23

Publisher (CNA): VMware · Vendor: vmware

Last updated 2026-07-23 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-06-10 00:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-07-23 09:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

vmware spring for apache kafka UPGRADE

Affected: < 2.8.12 · >= 2.9.0 and < 2.9.14 · >= 3.2.0 and < 3.2.14 · >= 3.3.0 and < 3.3.15.1 · >= 4.0.0 and < 4.0.5.1

Fixed in: 2.8.12, 2.9.14, 3.2.14, 3.3.15.1, 4.0.5.1

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.9.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy spring-for-apache-kafka || rpm -q spring-for-apache-kafka || spring-for-apache-kafka --version

2. UPGRADE to 2.8.12 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade spring-for-apache-kafka

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade spring-for-apache-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 2.9.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison spring-for-apache-kafka sudo apt install spring-for-apache-kafka=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.9.0> sudo apt-mark hold spring-for-apache-kafka

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

dnf --showduplicates list spring-for-apache-kafka sudo dnf downgrade spring-for-apache-kafka-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.9.0> sudo dnf versionlock add spring-for-apache-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-2026-41726?

spring for apache kafka: upgrade to 2.8.12, 2.9.14, 3.2.14, 3.3.15.1, 4.0.5.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-41726 being exploited?

CVE-2026-41726 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-2026-41726 affect?

CVE-2026-41726 affects spring for apache kafka. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). When an application opts into DelegatingDeserializer, a producer can grow the consumer's heap without bound by sending records with unique random spring.kafka.serialization.selector header values, eventually causing GC thrash and OutOfMemor

How urgent is CVE-2026-41726?

Priority 33/100. On your watchlist

Software pages

VMware vulnerabilities · Apache Kafka vulnerabilities

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References

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