CVE-2026-88920

Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

Authentication Bypass in Apache WSS4J via SAML Assertion Forgery

Publication date: 2026-09-30

Last updated on: 2026-10-02

Assigner: Apache Software Foundation

Description

An authentication bypass in the DOM security processor in Apache WSS4J allows unauthenticated remote attackers to forge authenticated SOAP messages via a crafted unsigned SAML sender-vouches assertion containing an attacker-controlled key. Users are recommended to upgrade to versions 4.0.2 or 3.0.6 or 2.4.4, which fix this issue.

CVSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published

2026-09-30

Last Modified

2026-10-02

Generated

2026-10-19

AI Q&A

2026-09-30

EPSS Evaluated

2026-10-18

NVD

CVE-2026-88920

EUVD

EUVD-2026-89793

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
apache	wss4j	to 2.4.4 (exc)
apache	wss4j	From 3.0.0 (inc) to 3.0.6 (exc)
apache	wss4j	From 4.0.0 (inc) to 4.0.2 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-287	When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability is an authentication bypass in Apache WSS4J's DOM security processor. It allows unauthenticated remote attackers to forge authenticated SOAP messages by exploiting a crafted unsigned SAML sender-vouches assertion containing a controlled key.

Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, check the version of Apache WSS4J in use. If running versions 4.0.0 before 4.0.2, 3.0.0 before 3.0.6, or versions before 2.4.4, the system is vulnerable. Use commands like 'mvn dependency:tree' for Maven projects or inspect package managers for WSS4J versions.

Impact Analysis

Attackers could impersonate legitimate users or services in SOAP-based communications, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data or performing actions on behalf of authenticated parties.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to personal or sensitive data, violating confidentiality requirements in GDPR and HIPAA. Organizations may face compliance failures and legal consequences if exploited.

Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade Apache WSS4J to version 4.0.2 or 3.0.6 or 2.4.4 to fix the authentication bypass vulnerability in the DOM security processor.

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