Asymmetric Resource Consumption vulnerability in Apache Directory LDAP API. (CVE-2026-103880)
An asymmetric resource consumption vulnerability exists in Apache Directory LDAP API versions from 2.1.0 up to but not including 2.1.9. When storing a password using the bcrypt algorithm with a high cost factor (e.g., 30), the LDAP server's CPU can be heavily taxed for hours during credential verification, potentially leading to a denial of service. The issue is fixed in version 2.1.9.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-103880 describes an asymmetric resource consumption vulnerability in Apache Directory LDAP API. Specifically, when a password is stored using bcrypt with a very high cost factor (such as 30), the server's CPU usage spikes significantly during authentication attempts, causing prolonged processing times. This can be exploited to cause a denial of service by exhausting server CPU resources. The vulnerability affects versions from 2.1.0 before 2.1.9. The vendor has addressed the issue in version 2.1.9 by enforcing a bounded cost to prevent excessive CPU consumption.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability can cause a denial of service condition by forcing the LDAP server to spend excessive CPU time verifying credentials with high-cost bcrypt hashes. This can degrade server availability and performance, potentially impacting all users relying on the affected LDAP service.
Mitigation Recommendations
Users should upgrade to Apache Directory LDAP API version 2.1.9 or later, where the issue is fixed by enforcing a bounded bcrypt cost factor. No other mitigations are specified or recommended.
Asymmetric Resource Consumption vulnerability in Apache Directory LDAP API. (CVE-2026-103880)
Description
An asymmetric resource consumption vulnerability exists in Apache Directory LDAP API versions from 2.1.0 up to but not including 2.1.9. When storing a password using the bcrypt algorithm with a high cost factor (e.g., 30), the LDAP server's CPU can be heavily taxed for hours during credential verification, potentially leading to a denial of service. The issue is fixed in version 2.1.9.
Affected software
pkg:maven/org.apache.directory.api/api-ldap-apiRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-103880 describes an asymmetric resource consumption vulnerability in Apache Directory LDAP API. Specifically, when a password is stored using bcrypt with a very high cost factor (such as 30), the server's CPU usage spikes significantly during authentication attempts, causing prolonged processing times. This can be exploited to cause a denial of service by exhausting server CPU resources. The vulnerability affects versions from 2.1.0 before 2.1.9. The vendor has addressed the issue in version 2.1.9 by enforcing a bounded cost to prevent excessive CPU consumption.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability can cause a denial of service condition by forcing the LDAP server to spend excessive CPU time verifying credentials with high-cost bcrypt hashes. This can degrade server availability and performance, potentially impacting all users relying on the affected LDAP service.
Mitigation Recommendations
Users should upgrade to Apache Directory LDAP API version 2.1.9 or later, where the issue is fixed by enforcing a bounded bcrypt cost factor. No other mitigations are specified or recommended.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- GHSA-q4px-5x5j-5p92
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.4.0
- Aliases
- ["CVE-2026-103880"]
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6abfee9ca43b0b3b89e5519a
Added to database: 10/02/2026, 17:49:16 UTC
Last enriched: 10/02/2026, 18:02:44 UTC
Last updated: 10/02/2026, 19:46:02 UTC
Views: 3
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