CVE-2026-49268: CWE-90 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query ('LDAP Injection') in Apache Software Foundation Apache Shiro
A remote attacker can inject LDAP special characters into the Distinguished Name (DN) construction in DefaultLdapRealm class. User-supplied username input is directly concatenated into the LDAP DN template without any escaping of RFC 2253 special characters. This allows an attacker to manipulate the DN structure used for LDAP bind authentication, potentially bypassing authentication or impersonating other users. This issue affects all Apache Shiro versions through 2.2.0, and 3.0.0-alpha-1 when using DefaultLdapRealm Upgrade to Apache Shiro 2.2.1 or 3.0.0-alpha-2 or later, which fixes the issue.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special LDAP characters (CWE-90) in the DefaultLdapRealm class of Apache Shiro. User input for usernames is directly concatenated into the LDAP DN template without escaping RFC 2253 special characters, enabling attackers to manipulate the LDAP bind DN structure. This manipulation can potentially bypass authentication mechanisms or allow impersonation of other users. The issue affects Apache Shiro versions <=2.2.0 and =3.0.0-alpha-0. The vendor fixed the vulnerability in versions 2.2.1 and 3.0.0-alpha-2.
Potential Impact
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to bypass LDAP authentication or impersonate other users by injecting specially crafted LDAP characters into the username field. This compromises authentication integrity and may lead to unauthorized access. The CVSS 4.0 score of 8.8 indicates a high severity with network attack vector, no privileges or user interaction required, and partial impact on confidentiality and high impact on integrity.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade Apache Shiro to version 2.2.1 or later, or 3.0.0-alpha-2 or later, where this LDAP Injection vulnerability is fixed. No other mitigation or temporary workaround is indicated in the available data. Patch status is confirmed by the vendor advisory stating fixed versions.
CVE-2026-49268: CWE-90 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query ('LDAP Injection') in Apache Software Foundation Apache Shiro
Description
A remote attacker can inject LDAP special characters into the Distinguished Name (DN) construction in DefaultLdapRealm class. User-supplied username input is directly concatenated into the LDAP DN template without any escaping of RFC 2253 special characters. This allows an attacker to manipulate the DN structure used for LDAP bind authentication, potentially bypassing authentication or impersonating other users. This issue affects all Apache Shiro versions through 2.2.0, and 3.0.0-alpha-1 when using DefaultLdapRealm Upgrade to Apache Shiro 2.2.1 or 3.0.0-alpha-2 or later, which fixes the issue.
CVSS v4.0
Score 8.8high
Affected software
pkg:maven/Apache Software Foundation/org.apache.shiro:shiro-coreRun 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
This vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special LDAP characters (CWE-90) in the DefaultLdapRealm class of Apache Shiro. User input for usernames is directly concatenated into the LDAP DN template without escaping RFC 2253 special characters, enabling attackers to manipulate the LDAP bind DN structure. This manipulation can potentially bypass authentication mechanisms or allow impersonation of other users. The issue affects Apache Shiro versions <=2.2.0 and =3.0.0-alpha-0. The vendor fixed the vulnerability in versions 2.2.1 and 3.0.0-alpha-2.
Potential Impact
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to bypass LDAP authentication or impersonate other users by injecting specially crafted LDAP characters into the username field. This compromises authentication integrity and may lead to unauthorized access. The CVSS 4.0 score of 8.8 indicates a high severity with network attack vector, no privileges or user interaction required, and partial impact on confidentiality and high impact on integrity.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade Apache Shiro to version 2.2.1 or later, or 3.0.0-alpha-2 or later, where this LDAP Injection vulnerability is fixed. No other mitigation or temporary workaround is indicated in the available data. Patch status is confirmed by the vendor advisory stating fixed versions.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- apache
- Date Reserved
- 2026-05-28T17:20:37.590Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a32a8a20b89be6888635f0a
Added to database: 6/17/2026, 2:01:06 PM
Last enriched: 6/17/2026, 2:16:25 PM
Last updated: 6/17/2026, 5:25:57 PM
Views: 3
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
External Links
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.