CVE-2026-49097 Apache CVE debrief

Who should care

Users of Apache Camel, particularly those using the IRC component in routes that bridge HTTP consumers into IRC producers, should be aware of this vulnerability. This issue 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.

Technical summary

The camel-irc producer in Apache Camel chooses the destination of an outgoing IRC message from the irc.sendTo Exchange header. When this header is present, it overrides the channel list configured on the endpoint, and the message is sent only to the specified destination. The component's control headers use plain, non-Camel-prefixed values, allowing them to pass from an inbound HTTP request into the Exchange. In a route bridging an HTTP consumer into an irc: producer, any HTTP client can set the irc.sendTo header and redirect a message to an arbitrary IRC channel or user.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

• Upgrade to Apache Camel version 4.21.0 or later
• For users on the 4.14.x LTS releases stream, upgrade to 4.14.8
• For users on the 4.18.x releases stream, upgrade to 4.18.3
• Strip the irc.* headers from any untrusted ingress before the irc: producer
• Set the IRC destination from a trusted source
• Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified
• Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-07-06T09:16:38.240Z and was last modified on 2026-07-08T03:12:14.387Z. The NVD entry is currently Analyzed. This information is based on the CVE record and NVD entry. Users should verify the accuracy of this information with the official sources. The CVE record and NVD entry provide details on the vulnerability, but may not cover all potential impacts or affected systems. Additional verification is recommended.

Official resources