PatchSiren

PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

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.

Official resources

AI-assisted PatchSiren debrief based on the supplied source corpus. The CVE record was published on 2026-07-06T09:16:36.807Z and has not been modified since then.