CVE-2026-97468: Apache CXF's STSTokenValidator and Security Token Service (STS) cached validated security tokens under a non-c

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CRITICAL 9.1REMOTEWATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-97468 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.1) affecting cxf. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Apache CXF's STSTokenValidator and Security Token Service (STS) cached validated security tokens under a non-cryptographic 32-bit hash of the token (Java Arrays.hashCode/hashCode()), and treated a cache hit as proof that the presented token had already been validated. An attacker could craft a token (for example a UsernameToken or a self-signed SAML Assertion) whose hash collides with a cached entry. The token would then be accepted without passw

Why this priority

Critical severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.1 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 87%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-328
Published	2026-10-09
Last modified	2026-10-20

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

Last updated 2026-10-20 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-10-09 11:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-20 12:40 UTCUpdated Record last modified

apache cxf UPGRADE

Affected: < 3.6.13 · >= 4.0.0 and < 4.1.9 · >= 4.2.0 and < 4.2.4

Fixed in: 3.6.13, 4.1.9, 4.2.4

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.0.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 3.6.13 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade cxf

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 cxf sudo apt install cxf=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold cxf

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

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

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-2026-97468?

cxf: upgrade to 3.6.13, 4.1.9, 4.2.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-97468 being exploited?

CVE-2026-97468 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-2026-97468 affect?

CVE-2026-97468 affects cxf. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.1). Apache CXF's STSTokenValidator and Security Token Service (STS) cached validated security tokens under a non-cryptographic 32-bit hash of the token (Java Arrays.hashCode/hashCode()), and treated a cache hit as proof that the presented token

How urgent is CVE-2026-97468?

Priority 45/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

Software pages

Java vulnerabilities

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References

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