CVE-2026-27727: CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection') in swaldman mchange-commons-java
mchange-commons-java, a library that provides Java utilities, includes code that mirrors early implementations of JNDI functionality, including support for remote `factoryClassLocation` values, by which code can be downloaded and invoked within a running application. If an attacker can provoke an application to read a maliciously crafted `jaxax.naming.Reference` or serialized object, they can provoke the download and execution of malicious code. Implementations of this functionality within the JDK were disabled by default behind a System property that defaults to `false`, `com.sun.jndi.ldap.object.trustURLCodebase`. However, since mchange-commons-java includes an independent implementation of JNDI derefencing, libraries (such as c3p0) that resolve references via that implementation could be provoked to download and execute malicious code even after the JDK was hardened. Mirroring the JDK patch, mchange-commons-java's JNDI functionality is gated by configuration parameters that default to restrictive values starting in version 0.4.0. No known workarounds are available. Versions prior to 0.4.0 should be avoided on application CLASSPATHs.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The mchange-commons-java library includes an independent implementation of Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI) dereferencing that supports remote code loading via the factoryClassLocation attribute. This functionality can be exploited by an attacker who provides a malicious javax.naming.Reference or serialized object, causing the application to download and execute arbitrary code. This vulnerability exists despite hardening in the JDK because mchange-commons-java does not rely on the JDK's JNDI implementation. The flaw is tracked as CVE-2026-27727 with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.9 (high severity). It affects all versions of mchange-commons-java before 0.4.0. Red Hat's advisory notes that no effective mitigation or fix currently meets their criteria, and users should monitor for updates. The vulnerability is related to CWE-74 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output) and CWE-502 (Deserialization of Untrusted Data).
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an attacker to cause arbitrary code execution within the context of the affected Java application. This can lead to complete compromise of the application environment, including unauthorized access, data modification, or further system compromise. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network with low attack complexity but requires some privileges and user interaction in some scoring interpretations. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time. The impact includes high confidentiality, integrity, and availability risks.
Mitigation Recommendations
Currently, no official patch or fix meeting Red Hat's criteria for ease of deployment and stability is available. Users are advised to monitor vendor advisories for updates. As a temporary measure, review and restrict usage of mchange-commons-java's JNDI dereferencing features if possible, and avoid deserializing untrusted data or references. Consider upgrading to mchange-commons-java version 0.4.0 or later once it becomes available and confirmed to include a fix. Engage with Red Hat Technical Account Managers if applicable for tailored guidance.
CVE-2026-27727: CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection') in swaldman mchange-commons-java
Description
mchange-commons-java, a library that provides Java utilities, includes code that mirrors early implementations of JNDI functionality, including support for remote `factoryClassLocation` values, by which code can be downloaded and invoked within a running application. If an attacker can provoke an application to read a maliciously crafted `jaxax.naming.Reference` or serialized object, they can provoke the download and execution of malicious code. Implementations of this functionality within the JDK were disabled by default behind a System property that defaults to `false`, `com.sun.jndi.ldap.object.trustURLCodebase`. However, since mchange-commons-java includes an independent implementation of JNDI derefencing, libraries (such as c3p0) that resolve references via that implementation could be provoked to download and execute malicious code even after the JDK was hardened. Mirroring the JDK patch, mchange-commons-java's JNDI functionality is gated by configuration parameters that default to restrictive values starting in version 0.4.0. No known workarounds are available. Versions prior to 0.4.0 should be avoided on application CLASSPATHs.
CVSS v4.0
Score 8.9high
Affected software
swaldman
mchange-commons-java
pkg:maven/com.mchange/mchange-commons-javaRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The mchange-commons-java library includes an independent implementation of Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI) dereferencing that supports remote code loading via the factoryClassLocation attribute. This functionality can be exploited by an attacker who provides a malicious javax.naming.Reference or serialized object, causing the application to download and execute arbitrary code. This vulnerability exists despite hardening in the JDK because mchange-commons-java does not rely on the JDK's JNDI implementation. The flaw is tracked as CVE-2026-27727 with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.9 (high severity). It affects all versions of mchange-commons-java before 0.4.0. Red Hat's advisory notes that no effective mitigation or fix currently meets their criteria, and users should monitor for updates. The vulnerability is related to CWE-74 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output) and CWE-502 (Deserialization of Untrusted Data).
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an attacker to cause arbitrary code execution within the context of the affected Java application. This can lead to complete compromise of the application environment, including unauthorized access, data modification, or further system compromise. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network with low attack complexity but requires some privileges and user interaction in some scoring interpretations. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time. The impact includes high confidentiality, integrity, and availability risks.
Mitigation Recommendations
Currently, no official patch or fix meeting Red Hat's criteria for ease of deployment and stability is available. Users are advised to monitor vendor advisories for updates. As a temporary measure, review and restrict usage of mchange-commons-java's JNDI dereferencing features if possible, and avoid deserializing untrusted data or references. Consider upgrading to mchange-commons-java version 0.4.0 or later once it becomes available and confirmed to include a fix. Engage with Red Hat Technical Account Managers if applicable for tailored guidance.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- GitHub_M
- Date Reserved
- 2026-02-23T18:37:14.789Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Vendor Advisory Urls
- [{"url":"https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-27727","vendor":"Red Hat"},{"url":"https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:18054","vendor":"Red Hat"},{"url":"https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:14874","vendor":"Red Hat"},{"url":"https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:18055","vendor":"Red Hat"},{"url":"https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:14873","vendor":"Red Hat"},{"url":"https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:4285","vendor":"Red Hat"},{"url":"https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:18059","vendor":"Red Hat"},{"url":"https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:3890","vendor":"Red Hat"}]
Threat ID: 699f5e7eb7ef31ef0b4e9b4c
Added to database: 02/25/2026, 20:41:34 UTC
Last enriched: 08/17/2026, 13:14:46 UTC
Last updated: 09/14/2026, 10:01:30 UTC
Views: 412
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