CVE-2026-78254 Apache Software Foundation CVE debrief

Who should care

Defenders responsible for Apache Ant deployments should assess exposure and upgrade to version 1.10.18 or later. This includes operators, platform administrators, vulnerability management teams, and security teams who need to verify the affected scope and severity with the vendor and assess their exposure. They should also review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified.

Why it matters

CVE-2026-78254 allows a malicious server to write outside of the target directory for downloads in Apache Ant versions prior to 1.10.18. Defenders should upgrade to 1.10.18 or later, use ftps, and not bypass server identity checks.

• Potential path traversal and file overwrite
• Required verification of server identity checks
• Need for upgrade to fixed version for secure behavior

Technical summary

Apache Ant versions prior to 1.10.18 have a vulnerability in the ftp and scp tasks that allows a malicious server to write outside of the dedicated target directory for downloads. This could lead to potential path traversal and file overwrite. The vulnerability can be mitigated by using ftps instead of ftp where possible and not bypassing server identity checks for scp and ftp tasks. Defenders should assess exposure and upgrade to version 1.10.18 or later. The issue can be verified by reviewing the official CVE record and NVD vulnerability detail.

Defensive priority

Upgrade to Apache Ant 1.10.18 to prevent path traversal

Recommended defensive actions

• Upgrade to Apache Ant 1.10.18 or later
• Use ftps instead of ftp where possible
• Do not bypass server identity checks for scp and ftp tasks
• 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
• Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified

Evidence notes

Apache Ant versions prior to 1.10.18 allow a malicious server to write outside of the dedicated target directory for downloads using the ftp and scp tasks. This issue can be verified by reviewing the official CVE record and NVD vulnerability detail. The evidence is limited to publicly available information and may not be comprehensive. Defenders should verify the affected scope and severity with the vendor and assess their exposure.

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.