Summary
CVE-2026-65432 is an XML External Entity (XXE) injection vulnerability (CWE-611) in Apache CXF. While the framework applies security hardening to top-level WSDL documents, it fails to extend those protections to imported content, allowing an attacker to disclose sensitive information. It carries a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.5 (High).
Technical details
- Root cause: Apache CXF hardens processing of primary WSDL documents (via
StaxUtils) but does not apply the same protections to imported content. When processing<wsdl:import>or<xsd:import>elements, it delegates to WSDL4J, which lacks XXE defenses. - Trigger conditions: Processing of a WSDL or XSD document that references malicious imported content containing an XXE payload.
- Attack vector: Network (AV:N); no authentication or user interaction required.
- Impact: Information disclosure — extraction of sensitive data and reconnaissance through XXE exploitation of imported WSDL/XSD resources. No impact to integrity or availability.
Affected software
- Apache CXF 3.x prior to 3.6.12
- Apache CXF 4.0.0 through 4.1.7
- Apache CXF 4.2.0 through 4.2.2
Severity
- CVSS v3.1 base score: 7.5 (High)
- Vector:
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
Mitigation and recommended actions
- Immediate: Upgrade to a fixed release — Apache CXF 3.6.12, 4.1.8, or 4.2.3.
- If no patch: Restrict processing of untrusted WSDL/XSD documents and imported references, and apply network controls to limit exposure of affected services until patching is possible.
How IONIX identifies potentially affected assets
IONIX matches the following signals against data already collected when it crawled the asset; identifying the technology sends no request beyond that crawl.
- Page title:
CXF - Service list

