CVE-2026-90798 Apache Software Foundation CVE debrief

Who should care

Administrators and users of Apache CouchDB 3.5.2 and below should assess exposure and upgrade to version 3.5.3 to prevent denial-of-service attacks. This includes reviewing and updating affected systems, monitoring for potential attacks, and implementing compensating controls. Security teams should prioritize vulnerability management and ensure that affected systems are remediated promptly. Operators of Apache CouchDB should also verify affected versions,

Why it matters

CVE-2026-90798 is a denial-of-service vulnerability in Apache CouchDB 3.5.2 and below, allowing attackers to create infinite HTTP redirect loops. Defenders should upgrade to version 3.5.3 and assess exposure to prevent potential disruptions.

• Denial-of-service attacks via infinite HTTP redirect loops
• Potential disruption of database replication
• Need for verification of affected versions and remediation

Technical summary

A missing circuit-breaker in the replicator in Apache CouchDB 3.5.2 and below allows an attacker to cause a denial of service via creating an infinite HTTP redirect loop. The vulnerability affects the replicator component, which is responsible for database replication. This can lead to disruptions in database replication and potential denial-of-service attacks. The issue can be mitigated by upgrading to version 3.5.3, which fixes the circuit-breaker issue. Defenders should be aware of the potential impact and take necessary actions to prevent exploitation.

Defensive priority

Upgrade to version 3.5.3 to prevent denial-of-service attacks

Recommended defensive actions

• Upgrade Apache CouchDB to version 3.5.3
• Review and update affected systems
• Monitor for potential denial-of-service attacks
• Perform vulnerability assessment to identify exposed systems
• Implement compensating controls for exposed systems
• Track exceptions and retest remediated assets
• Review relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets

Evidence notes

The CVE record and source item provide information on the vulnerability, but details on exploitation and impact are limited. There is no information on public exploitation or specific attacks. Defenders should verify affected versions and assess exposure. The vulnerability is in the replicator component of Apache CouchDB, which allows for database replication. The lack of a circuit-breaker allows an attacker to create an infinite loop of redirects, leading to a denial-of-service condition.

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.