PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief
CVE-2026-48717 OpenIdentityPlatform CVE debrief
Open Access Management (OpenAM) has a critical vulnerability prior to version 16.1.1. The AuthorizationCodeGrantTypeHandler requires a code_verifier only when the realm-wide codeVerifierEnforced setting is enabled. However, even when an authorization code stores a code_challenge, the code_verifier is not always required due to the default disabled setting. This allows an attacker who intercepts a PKCE-protected authorization code to redeem the code without a code_verifier. Public clients are directly affected, and confidential-client exploitation requires additional authentication material or context.
- Vendor
- OpenIdentityPlatform
- Product
- OpenAM
- CVSS
- CRITICAL 9.1
- CISA KEV
- Not listed in stored evidence
- Original CVE published
- 2026-09-15
- Original CVE updated
- 2026-09-23
- Advisory published
- 2026-09-15
- Advisory updated
- 2026-09-23
Who should care
Defenders responsible for OpenAM deployments should assess exposure and upgrade to version 16.1.1 if vulnerable. Security teams monitoring for suspicious authorization code redemption attempts should also be aware of this vulnerability.
Why it matters
CVE-2026-48717 is a critical vulnerability in Open Access Management (OpenAM) that allows an attacker to redeem an intercepted PKCE-protected authorization code without a code_verifier. Defenders must assess exposure, upgrade to version 16.1.1 if vulnerable, and monitor for suspicious activity.
- Defenders must verify OpenAM version and configurations to determine exposure.
- Immediate upgrade to version 16.1.1 is required for vulnerable deployments.
- Monitoring for suspicious authorization code redemption attempts is necessary.
- Reviewing authorization code redemption processes for potential vulnerabilities is essential.
Technical summary
The AuthorizationCodeGrantTypeHandler in Open Access Management (OpenAM) prior to version 16.1.1 does not require a code_verifier for authorization code redemption when the realm-wide codeVerifierEnforced setting is disabled by default. This allows an attacker to redeem an intercepted PKCE-protected authorization code without a code_verifier. Public clients are directly affected, and confidential-client exploitation requires client authentication material or another redemption context.
Defensive priority
Immediately assess exposure and upgrade to version 16.1.1 if vulnerable.
Recommended defensive actions
- Assess exposure by checking current OpenAM version and configurations.
- Upgrade to version 16.1.1 or later.
- Review authorization code redemption processes for potential vulnerabilities.
- Monitor for suspicious authorization code redemption attempts.
- Verify OpenAM deployments for codeVerifierEnforced setting.
- Review compensating controls for exposed systems.
- Track exceptions and retest remediated assets.
Evidence notes
The CVE record and NVD entry provide details on the vulnerability and its impact. However, additional information on affected deployments and exploitation attempts is limited. Defenders should verify OpenAM version and configurations to determine exposure, review authorization code redemption processes for potential vulnerabilities, and monitor for suspicious activity. Limited source detail exists on actual exploitation or affected scope beyond OpenAM versions prior to 16.1.1.
Sources and references
Verified primary and authoritative sources
-
CVE-2026-48717 CVE Program record
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-48717
CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.
-
CVE-2026-48717 NVD vulnerability detail
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-48717
NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.
Supplemental references
-
Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://github.com/OpenIdentityPlatform/OpenAM/commit/97a34d9fee17395e8e052bfc45eb5855f436153e
-
Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://github.com/OpenIdentityPlatform/OpenAM/releases/tag/16.1.1
-
Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://github.com/OpenIdentityPlatform/OpenAM/security/advisories/GHSA-4v2w-2wqp-mc85
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.