CVE-2026-59278: JsonKafkaHeaderMapper and DefaultKafkaHeaderMapper include java.net in their default trusted packages list

Routine

MEDIUM 6.5REMOTEWATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-59278 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.

JsonKafkaHeaderMapper and DefaultKafkaHeaderMapper include java.net in their default trusted packages list. When these mappers are used — which is the default configuration for all @KafkaListener consumers — an external Kafka producer can inject a java.net.InetAddress type via the spring_json_header_types message header. Spring for Apache Kafka 4.1.0 Spring for Apache Kafka 4.0.0 - 4.0.6 Spring for Apache Kafka 3.0.0 - 3.3.16 Spring for Apache Ka

Why this priority

Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
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	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 82%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-918
Published	2026-08-27
Last modified	2026-09-01

Publisher (CNA): VMware · Vendor: vmware

Last updated 2026-09-01 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-08-27 06:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-09-01 16:07 UTCUpdated Record last modified

vmware spring for apache kafka UPGRADE

Affected: < 2.8.13 · >= 2.9.0 and < 2.9.15 · >= 3.0.0 and < 3.3.17 · >= 4.0.0 and < 4.0.6.1 · >= 4.1.0 and < 4.1.0.1

Fixed in: 2.8.13, 2.9.15, 3.3.17, 4.0.6.1, 4.1.0.1

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 2.8.13 (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.

Advisories and coverage

Official advisories

Spring Security Advisories: cve-2026-59278 - MEDIUM - In Spring for Apache Kafka, SSRF via DNS resolution triggered by untrusted java.net types in header mapper default 2026-08-20

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-2026-59278?

spring for apache kafka: upgrade to 2.8.13, 2.9.15, 3.3.17, 4.0.6.1, 4.1.0.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-59278 being exploited?

CVE-2026-59278 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-2026-59278 affect?

CVE-2026-59278 affects spring for apache kafka. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). JsonKafkaHeaderMapper and DefaultKafkaHeaderMapper include java.net in their default trusted packages list. When these mappers are used — which is the default configuration for all @KafkaListener consumers — an external Kafka producer can i

How urgent is CVE-2026-59278?

Priority 37/100. Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

Software pages

Java vulnerabilities · VMware vulnerabilities · Apache Kafka vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-59317 MEDIUM 6.5 UPGRADE DeadLetterPublishingRecovererFactory reads the retry_topic-original-timestamp header from an inbound ConsumerR

References

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