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CVE-2026-46457 Apache CVE debrief

The CVE record describes an Improper Input Validation vulnerability in the Apache Camel NATS component. The issue arises from the camel-nats component mapping inbound NATS message headers into the Camel Exchange without proper filtering, allowing for the injection of arbitrary Camel control headers. This can influence the behavior of downstream producers in the route. The vulnerability affects Apache Camel versions from 4.0.0 before 4.14.8, from 4.15.0 before 4.18.3, and from 4.19.0 before 4.21.0.

Vendor
Apache
Product
Camel
CVSS
HIGH 7.5
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-07-06
Original CVE updated
2026-07-08
Advisory published
2026-07-06
Advisory updated
2026-07-08

Who should care

Users of Apache Camel, particularly those using the camel-nats component, should be aware of this vulnerability. The issue is especially relevant for users who cannot authenticate with the NATS server, as the vulnerability is reachable without credentials when the NATS server is configured without authentication.

Technical summary

The camel-nats component in Apache Camel improperly validates inbound NATS message headers, leading to potential header injection. By default, the DefaultHeaderFilterStrategy is used without inbound rules configured, allowing all headers, including Camel-internal control headers, to be copied unmodified onto the Camel message. This can lead to unintended behavior in downstream producers, such as redirecting HTTP producers, changing file names, or overriding queries. The issue is mitigated in Apache Camel version 4.21.0, which introduces a dedicated NatsHeaderFilterStrategy that filters Camel header namespaces case-insensitively.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

  • Upgrade to Apache Camel version 4.21.0 or later
  • If using Apache Camel 4.14.x LTS releases, upgrade to 4.14.8
  • If using Apache Camel 4.18.x releases, upgrade to 4.18.3
  • For deployments that cannot upgrade immediately, strip Camel control headers from inbound NATS messages at the start of the route
  • Enable authentication on the NATS server to restrict publishing to the consumed subject

Evidence notes

The CVE record and NVD detail provide information on the vulnerability and its impact. The Apache Camel security page offers mitigation advice. Additional information is available on the Open Wall mailing list.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-46457 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-46457

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2026-46457 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-46457

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental 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.