XXE in Apache Cxf
CVE-2026-65432
Apache CXF reads a top-level WSDL through its hardened StaxUtils path, which disables XML DTDs and external entities. However, any <wsdl:import> or <xsd:import> referenced from that top-level WSDL is handed off to WSDL4J, which does not disable DOCTYPE declarations or external entities. As a result, the protections applied to the top-level document do not extend to imported documents, leaving imported WSDL/XSD content vulnerable to XML External Entity (XXE) attacks. Users are recommended to upgrade to versions 4.2.3 or 4.1.8 or 3.6.12, which fix this issue.
Vulnerability class: XXE (XML External Entity)
EPSS: 0.004 (34.9th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.
CVSS v3 metric
CVSS v3 base score 7.5 (High). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N.
Affected products
- Apache Cxf
- Apache Software Foundation Cxf — versions 4.2.0, 4.0.0, 0
Weakness classification (CWE)
References
- security@apache.org (vendor-advisory, Mailing List, Vendor Advisory)
- af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2026-65432?
- CVE-2026-65432 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apache Cxf, classified under Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference (XXE). CVSS score: 7.5/10. Published 2026-08-06.
- How severe is CVE-2026-65432?
- High severity. CVSS v3 base score is 7.5 out of 10.