CVE-2026-53405
Undergoing Analysis Undergoing Analysis - In Progress

Remote Code Execution in Apache Syncope via Groovy ScriptTask

Publication date: 2026-07-20

Last updated on: 2026-07-20

Assigner: Apache Software Foundation

Description
Improper Isolation or Compartmentalization vulnerability in Apache Syncope. An administrator with adequate entitlements can import arbitrary BPMN process definitions via the REST API and then start the process. When a BPMN process containing a Groovy scriptTask is imported and started, the Groovy script is executed directly on the server, with no sandbox. This issue affects Apache Syncope: from 3.0.0-M0 through 3.0.16, from 4.0.0-M0 Through 4.0.6, from 4.1.0-M0 through 4.1.1. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 4.0.7 / 4.1.2, which fix this issue by wrapping Flowable's Groovy scriptTasks with security sandbox.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-07-20
Last Modified
2026-07-20
Generated
2026-07-21
AI Q&A
2026-07-20
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-53405
EUVD
EUVD-2026-45956

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 3 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
apache syncope From 3.0.0-M0 (inc) to 3.0.16 (inc)
apache syncope From 4.0.0-M0 (inc) to 4.0.6 (inc)
apache syncope From 4.1.0-M0 (inc) to 4.1.1 (inc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-653 The product does not properly compartmentalize or isolate functionality, processes, or resources that require different privilege levels, rights, or permissions.

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Executive Summary

This vulnerability in Apache Syncope allows an administrator with sufficient permissions to import and execute arbitrary BPMN process definitions via the REST API. If the BPMN process contains a Groovy scriptTask, the script runs directly on the server without any sandboxing, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution.

Detection Guidance

Detecting this vulnerability requires checking the Apache Syncope version in use. Run commands like 'curl -s http://your-syncope-server/syncope/rest/about | grep version' or check the installed package version via 'dpkg -l | grep syncope' or 'rpm -qa | grep syncope'. If the version falls within 3.0.0-M0 to 3.0.16, 4.0.0-M0 to 4.0.6, or 4.1.0-M0 to 4.1.1, the system is vulnerable.

Impact Analysis

An attacker with admin access could exploit this to run malicious Groovy scripts on the server, compromising system integrity, stealing data, or gaining full control over the affected Apache Syncope instance.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized data access or modification, violating GDPR's data protection principles or HIPAA's security requirements for protected health information. Compliance may be compromised if sensitive data is exposed or altered due to the lack of proper isolation.

Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade Apache Syncope to version 4.0.7, 4.1.2, or later. This fixes the issue by adding a security sandbox for Groovy scriptTasks. Follow the official upgrade guide from Apache Syncope documentation to ensure a smooth transition.

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