CVE-2026-41115
Apache Kafka: Improper Authorization in CONSUMER_GROUP_DESCRIBE API
Description
An improper authorization vulnerability has been identified in Apache Kafka. The implementation of the CONSUMER_GROUP_DESCRIBE (69) API validates the DESCRIBE operation on the GROUP resource instead of the READ operation that documented in the official kafka documentation and the KIP-848. This discrepancy can result in misconfigured Access Control Lists (ACLs) and unintended security postures, like granting READ permission to users who should not be able to join/sync groups, or allowing users without READ permission (but with DESCRIBE permission) to access sensitive group metadata. The correct permission for CONSUMER_GROUP_DESCRIBE API is DESCRIBE GROUP so the current implementation is correct. However, the kafka documentation as well as the KIP-848 will be updated to reflect the correct permission. We advise the Kafka users to review existing group ACLs to ensure the principle of least privilege.
INFO
Published Date :
June 2, 2026, 10:16 a.m.
Last Modified :
June 3, 2026, 2:04 a.m.
Remotely Exploit :
Yes !
Source :
[email protected]
CVSS Scores
| Score | Version | Severity | Vector | Exploitability Score | Impact Score | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | MEDIUM | 134c704f-9b21-4f2e-91b3-4a467353bcc0 |
Solution
- Update Kafka documentation and KIP-848.
- Review existing group ACLs for unintended permissions.
- Ensure least privilege for Kafka group access.
Public PoC/Exploit Available at Github
CVE-2026-41115 has a 1 public
PoC/Exploit available at Github.
Go to the Public Exploits tab to see the list.
References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
Here, you will find a curated list of external links that provide in-depth
information, practical solutions, and valuable tools related to
CVE-2026-41115.
| URL | Resource |
|---|---|
| https://kafka.apache.org/cve-list | Vendor Advisory |
| http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/06/02/5 | Mailing List Third Party Advisory |
CWE - Common Weakness Enumeration
While CVE identifies
specific instances of vulnerabilities, CWE categorizes the common flaws or
weaknesses that can lead to vulnerabilities. CVE-2026-41115 is
associated with the following CWEs:
Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification (CAPEC)
Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification
(CAPEC)
stores attack patterns, which are descriptions of the common attributes and
approaches employed by adversaries to exploit the CVE-2026-41115
weaknesses.
We scan GitHub repositories to detect new proof-of-concept exploits. Following list is a collection of public exploits and proof-of-concepts, which have been published on GitHub (sorted by the most recently updated).
High-performance test data generator for enterprise applications. Generates realistic, reproducible test data to Kafka, and files using YAML configuration.
data-generators datafaker java kafka performance protobuf test-automation test-data-generator testing-tools yaml
Java Shell Python
Results are limited to the first 15 repositories due to potential performance issues.
The following list is the news that have been mention
CVE-2026-41115 vulnerability anywhere in the article.
The following table lists the changes that have been made to the
CVE-2026-41115 vulnerability over time.
Vulnerability history details can be useful for understanding the evolution of a vulnerability, and for identifying the most recent changes that may impact the vulnerability's severity, exploitability, or other characteristics.
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Initial Analysis by [email protected]
Jun. 03, 2026
Action Type Old Value New Value Added CPE Configuration OR *cpe:2.3:a:apache:kafka:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:* versions from (including) 4.0.0 up to (including) 4.3.0 Added Reference Type CVE: http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/06/02/5 Types: Mailing List, Third Party Advisory Added Reference Type Apache Software Foundation: https://kafka.apache.org/cve-list Types: Vendor Advisory -
CVE Modified by af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
Jun. 02, 2026
Action Type Old Value New Value Added Reference http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/06/02/5 -
CVE Modified by 134c704f-9b21-4f2e-91b3-4a467353bcc0
Jun. 02, 2026
Action Type Old Value New Value Added CVSS V3.1 AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N -
New CVE Received by [email protected]
Jun. 02, 2026
Action Type Old Value New Value Added Description An improper authorization vulnerability has been identified in Apache Kafka. The implementation of the CONSUMER_GROUP_DESCRIBE (69) API validates the DESCRIBE operation on the GROUP resource instead of the READ operation that documented in the official kafka documentation and the KIP-848. This discrepancy can result in misconfigured Access Control Lists (ACLs) and unintended security postures, like granting READ permission to users who should not be able to join/sync groups, or allowing users without READ permission (but with DESCRIBE permission) to access sensitive group metadata. The correct permission for CONSUMER_GROUP_DESCRIBE API is DESCRIBE GROUP so the current implementation is correct. However, the kafka documentation as well as the KIP-848 will be updated to reflect the correct permission. We advise the Kafka users to review existing group ACLs to ensure the principle of least privilege. Added CWE CWE-285 Added Reference https://kafka.apache.org/cve-list