CVE-2026-68481
Received Received - Intake

OAuth Token Introspection Flaw in Apache CXF

Publication date: 2026-08-06

Last updated on: 2026-08-06

Assigner: Apache Software Foundation

Description
In Apache CXF's DefaultEncryptingOAuthDataProvider, revoked access tokens still decrypt successfully, and TokenIntrospectionService reports active:true. The same applies to refresh tokens. This violates the RFC stipulations that 'The authorization server MUST invalidate the token.' and 'introspection of a revoked token MUST return {"active":false}'. Users are recommended to upgrade to versions 4.2.3 or 4.1.8 or 3.6.12, which fix this issue.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
Percentile:

Meta Information

Published
2026-08-06
Last Modified
2026-08-06
Generated
2026-08-06
AI Q&A
2026-08-06
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-68481
EUVD
EUVD-2026-53857

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 6 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
apache cxf From 4.2.3 (inc)
apache cxf From 4.1.8 (inc)
apache cxf From 3.6.12 (inc)
apache cxf 4.2.3
apache cxf 4.1.8
apache cxf 3.6.12

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
CWE Icon
KEV
KEV Icon
CWE ID Description
CWE-672 The product uses, accesses, or otherwise operates on a resource after that resource has been expired, released, or revoked.

Attack-Flow Graph

AI Quick Actions

Instant insights powered by AI
Executive Summary

This vulnerability in Apache CXF's DefaultEncryptingOAuthDataProvider allows revoked access and refresh tokens to still decrypt successfully. The TokenIntrospectionService incorrectly reports these revoked tokens as active:true, violating RFC requirements that revoked tokens must be invalidated and return active:false during introspection.

Detection Guidance

Check Apache CXF version using commands like 'cxf --version' or inspect application logs for OAuth token introspection responses. Look for revoked tokens still showing 'active:true' in responses.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability could allow unauthorized access to resources even after tokens are revoked. Attackers might exploit revoked tokens to maintain access to systems or data, bypassing intended security controls and potentially leading to data breaches or unauthorized actions.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability likely violates compliance requirements for GDPR and HIPAA, which mandate proper token revocation and access control. It could result in unauthorized data access, failing audits and potentially leading to legal penalties or loss of certification.

Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade Apache CXF to versions 4.2.3, 4.1.8, or 3.6.12 immediately. If upgrading is not possible, disable OAuth token introspection endpoints or revoke all existing tokens as a temporary workaround.

Chat Assistant

Ask questions about this CVE
Hi! I’m here to help you understand CVE-2026-68481. Ask me anything about the vulnerability, its impact, or mitigation strategies.
0/70

EPSS Chart