CVE-2026-97720: CWE-303 Incorrect implementation of authentication algorithm in Apache Software Foundation Apache Impala
Description
Incorrect implementation of JWT/OAuth authentication in Impala executors in Apache Impala versions up to and including 4.5.2 which allows attacked to access resources served by the executor's webserver when that webserver is configured to accept JWT/OAuth tokens. Bearer token (JWT) signatures are not validated resulting in the webserver accepting any valid JWT. Users are recommended to either disable JWT/OAuth auth for Impala executors or upgrade to version 4.5.3, which fixes this issue.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.1critical
Affected software
Apache Software Foundation
Apache Impala
pkg:maven/org.apache.impala/impalaRun 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-2026-97720 describes a vulnerability in Apache Impala's executor webserver authentication mechanism. Specifically, the JWT/OAuth bearer token signatures are not validated correctly in versions 4.1.0 through 4.5.2, allowing any valid JWT token to be accepted regardless of its signature. This incorrect implementation of the authentication algorithm (CWE-303) can lead to unauthorized access to executor webserver resources. The vulnerability is resolved in Apache Impala version 4.5.3.
Potential Impact
Attackers can gain unauthorized access to resources served by the Impala executor's webserver if it is configured to accept JWT/OAuth tokens. Because signature validation is bypassed, any valid JWT token can be used to access protected resources, potentially exposing sensitive data or functionality.
Mitigation Recommendations
Users should upgrade Apache Impala to version 4.5.3, which contains the official fix for this vulnerability. Alternatively, users can disable JWT/OAuth authentication on Impala executors to prevent exploitation until they can apply the update.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- apache
- Date Reserved
- 2026-09-24T23:33:41.006Z
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6ac60afc2cdf04f65630e9d2
Added to database: 10/07/2026, 09:03:57 UTC
Last enriched: 10/07/2026, 09:18:26 UTC
Last updated: 10/07/2026, 19:18:59 UTC
Views: 15
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