Unsafe Deserialization in Apache (CVE-2026-40048)
Summary
Vulnerability in Apache (CVE-2026-40048). Successful exploitation can lead to full system takeover. Exploitable via java.security.KeyPair.
Original description
The description as published by the source.
The Camel-PQC FileBasedKeyLifecycleManager class deserializes the contents of .key files in the configured key directory using java.io.ObjectInputStream without applying any ObjectInputFilter or class-loading restrictions. The cast to java.security.KeyPair is evaluated only after readObject() has already returned, so any readObject() side effects in the deserialized object run before the type check. An attacker who can write to the key directory used by a Camel application — for example through a path traversal into the directory, misconfigured filesystem permissions on the volume where keys are stored, a compromised key provisioning pipeline, or a symlink attack — can place a crafted serialized Java object that, when deserialized during normal key lifecycle operations, results in arbitrary code execution in the context of the application.
This issue affects Apache Camel: from 4.19.0 before 4.20.0, from 4.18.0 before 4.18.2.
Users are recommended to upgrade to version 4.20.0, which fixes the issue by replacing java.io.ObjectInputStream-based key and metadata storage with standard PKCS#8 (private key) / X.509 SubjectPublicKeyInfo (public key) Base64 JSON encoding. For users on the 4.18.x LTS releases stream, upgrade to 4.18.2.
Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database NVD
Auto-generated summary
Assembled by SecPulse from the source data (CVSS, CWE, affected versions) using templates — no AI involved. Check the original description and references below for exact details.
A vulnerability tracked as CVE-2026-40048 has been found in Apache.
Attackers can target a specific entry point like java.security.KeyPair over the network to misuse the product.
Successful exploitation can lead to full system takeover. CVSS score: 7.8/10.
What to do: apply the vendor's official patched release.
If unsure, ask your IT team or search "Apache CVE-2026-40048" on the vendor's site.
CVE-2026-40048 (Apache) — CWE-502 / CVSS v3 7.8
Attack vector: local / no user interaction
Attack surface: java.security.KeyPair
Plan: 1) Audit SBOM/dependencies, 2) Stage→prod upgrade, 3) Add WAF/proxy monitoring on affected endpoints, 4) Hunt IOCs in logs.
Refs: see the GHSA / vendor advisory / patched release linked on this page.
Unsafe deserialization (CWE-502) exists in Apache. Attackers reach the vulnerable code path via java.security.KeyPair.
Check the vendor advisory for the affected versions of Apache. Attack surface: java.security.KeyPair.
Severity: High (CVSS 7.8/10). Successful exploitation can lead to full system takeover.
Update to the patched release per vendor advisory.
Until the patch is applied: disable the affected feature, apply WAF rules, or restrict access via network ACLs.
Search webserver/proxy logs for unusual request patterns matching this CVE's known IOCs. Run grep -r 'Apache' . against your dependency files (package-lock.json, requirements.txt, go.sum) to find affected services.
Response actions
Concrete steps and command examples for SOC/SRE teams to execute in order
-
1Identify exposure identify
grep -r 'Apache' . | grep -v node_modulesリポジトリと本番環境の依存ファイル (package-lock.json / requirements.txt / go.sum / Gemfile.lock 等) で
Apacheを grep し、稼働しているサービス・バージョンを把握する。 -
2Post-deployment verification verify
Confirm patched version is live in productionパッチ適用後、ステージングで PoC または同等の悪用パターンを再現して脆弱性が閉じたことを確認。本番ではアクセスログ・WAF でアラート再発が無いか継続監視。
References
- advisory openwall.com
- JVN JVNDB-2026-023132
- patch security@apache.org
- web access.redhat.com
- web bugzilla.redhat.com
- web security.access.redhat.com