CVE-2026-101296 Apache Software Foundation CVE debrief

Who should care

Defenders and administrators of Apache Tomcat instances, particularly those using JNDIRealm with non-GSSAPI SASL mechanisms, should assess exposure and prioritize upgrading to fixed versions. This includes reviewing affected versions and configurations, and verifying the need for compensating controls. Security teams and vulnerability management teams should track exceptions and retest remediated assets.

Why it matters

The vulnerability in Apache Tomcat's JNDIRealm allows for authentication bypass, potentially leading to unauthorized access. Defenders and administrators should assess exposure, prioritize upgrading to fixed versions, and verify affected versions and configurations.

• Potential unauthorized access to Tomcat instances
• Need for verification of affected versions and configurations
• Priority for upgrading to fixed versions
• Potential impact on authentication mechanisms

Technical summary

A missing critical step in authentication vulnerability in Apache Tomcat's JNDI realm allows attackers to authenticate without providing the correct password when using non-GSSAPI SASL authentication mechanisms. This issue affects multiple versions of Apache Tomcat. The vulnerability can be mitigated by upgrading to fixed versions of Apache Tomcat. Technical details indicate that the JNDIRealm bind credential validation fails open for non-GSSAPI SASL mechanisms, potentially allowing unauthorized access. Defenders should assess exposure and prioritize upgrading to fixed versions.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

• Upgrade to Apache Tomcat version 11.0.27, 10.1.61, or 9.0.123
• Review and update affected versions (8.5.0-8.5.100, 7.0.0-7.0.109)
• Implement compensating controls for authentication mechanisms
• Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up
• Review the supplied official advisory or CVE record to validate affected scope, severity, and vendor guidance
• Plan vendor-supported updates or mitigations through normal change control where exposure is confirmed
• Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review

Evidence notes

The CVE record and source item provide details on the vulnerability in Apache Tomcat. The NVD entry is currently being processed. This issue was reported by [source] and affects multiple Tomcat versions. Evidence of exploitation has not been confirmed. Defenders should verify affected versions and configurations. Official advisories and CVE records provide additional context.

Sources and references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.