CVE-2026-43514: Apache Tomcat Apache Tomcat - AJP Secret Vulnerability

LOW
Advisory Identifier: GHSA-9m89-8frq-c98c
Share
CVSS 3.7
CWE-208
Published
Advisory Summary

CVE-2026-43514 is a LOW (CVSS 3.7) apache tomcat - ajp secret vulnerability (CWE-208: Observable Timing Discrepancy) affecting Apache Tomcat libraries in the Maven ecosystem. The issue involves apache tomcat - ajp secret compared in non-constant time. Remediation is available by upgrading affected packages to version 9.0.118, 10.1.55, 11.0.22.

CVE-2026-43514 at a Glance

CVE Identifier CVE-2026-43514
GHSA Identifier GHSA-9m89-8frq-c98c
Severity LOW
CVSS v3.1 Base Score 3.7
CWE Classification CWE-208: Observable Timing Discrepancy
Affected Product Apache Tomcat
Package Ecosystem Maven
Published Date
Last Updated

Security Impact

CVSS: 3.7

The security impact metrics below are parsed directly from the CVSS v3.1 vector string (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N).

Attack Vector Network (AV:N)
Attack Complexity High (AC:H)
Privileges Required None (PR:N)
User Interaction None (UI:N)
Scope Unchanged (S:U)
Confidentiality Low (C:L)
Integrity None (I:N)
Availability None (A:N)

How to Fix CVE-2026-43514

To remediate this vulnerability, upgrade all affected Apache Tomcat dependencies to a patched release. Both direct and transitive dependencies should be checked, as frameworks or security libraries may pull in vulnerable versions transitively.

org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core fixed: 9.0.118 
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat.embed</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat-embed-core</artifactId>
    <version>9.0.118</version>
</dependency>
org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core fixed: 10.1.55 
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat.embed</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat-embed-core</artifactId>
    <version>10.1.55</version>
</dependency>
org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core fixed: 11.0.22 
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat.embed</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat-embed-core</artifactId>
    <version>11.0.22</version>
</dependency>
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat fixed: 9.0.118 
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat</artifactId>
    <version>9.0.118</version>
</dependency>
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat fixed: 10.1.55 
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat</artifactId>
    <version>10.1.55</version>
</dependency>
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat fixed: 11.0.22 
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat</artifactId>
    <version>11.0.22</version>
</dependency>
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina fixed: 9.0.118 
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat-catalina</artifactId>
    <version>9.0.118</version>
</dependency>
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina fixed: 10.1.55 
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat-catalina</artifactId>
    <version>10.1.55</version>
</dependency>
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina fixed: 11.0.22 
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.tomcat</groupId>
    <artifactId>tomcat-catalina</artifactId>
    <version>11.0.22</version>
</dependency>
Verify Direct and Transitive Dependencies

Run the following command in your project directory to verify that all resolved dependencies use the patched release: 

mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.apache.tomcat.embed

How to Check if You Are Affected

To determine whether your Java application is affected by CVE-2026-43514, inspect your build dependencies using the Maven Dependency Plugin:

mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.apache.tomcat.embed

Analyze the terminal output to locate any version of Apache Tomcat in your dependency tree. If any resolved version matches the vulnerable ranges listed in the table below (for example, versions earlier than 9.0.118), your application is affected.

Note: The mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.apache.tomcat.embed command inspects the resolved dependency graph declared in your project's POM files; it does not perform automated security scanning or inspect runtime dynamic classpaths. Always verify runtime container classpaths and shaded JARs.

Technical Details

Vulnerability Mechanism & Technical Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-208: Observable Timing Discrepancy, where two separate operations in a product require different amounts of time to complete, in a way that is observable to an actor and reveals security-relevant information about the state of the product, such as whether a particular operation was successful or not. In Apache Tomcat, software state validation or input boundaries are circumvented during processing. Review the official source advisory statement below for specific affected components, classes, and reproduction details.

Source Advisory Statement

Versions Affected: Apache Tomcat 11.0.0-M1 to 11.0.21 Apache Tomcat 10.1.0-M1 to 10.1.54 Apache Tomcat 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.117 Older, unsupported versions may also be affected Description: The AJP secret was compared in non-constant time allowing an attacker on the local network to mount a timing attack to determine the AJP secret. Mitigation: Users of the affected versions should apply one of the following mitigations: - Upgrade to Apache Tomcat 11.0.22 or later - Upgrade to Apache Tomcat 10.1.55 or later - Upgrade to Apache Tomcat 9.0.118 or later

CVE-2026-43514 Affected Apache Tomcat Versions

9 component(s)
Fixed Versions:
9.0.11810.1.5511.0.22
Product / Package Ecosystem Affected Versions Fixed Version
org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core
maven/org.apache.tomcat.embed/tomcat-embed-core
Maven
< 9.0.118
9.0.118
org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core
maven/org.apache.tomcat.embed/tomcat-embed-core
Maven
≥ 10.1.0-M1
< 10.1.55
10.1.55
org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core
maven/org.apache.tomcat.embed/tomcat-embed-core
Maven
≥ 11.0.0-M1
< 11.0.22
11.0.22
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat
maven/org.apache.tomcat/tomcat
Maven
< 9.0.118
9.0.118
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat
maven/org.apache.tomcat/tomcat
Maven
≥ 10.1.0-M1
< 10.1.55
10.1.55
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat
maven/org.apache.tomcat/tomcat
Maven
≥ 11.0.0-M1
< 11.0.22
11.0.22
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina
maven/org.apache.tomcat/tomcat-catalina
Maven
< 9.0.118
9.0.118
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina
maven/org.apache.tomcat/tomcat-catalina
Maven
≥ 10.1.0-M1
< 10.1.55
10.1.55
org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina
maven/org.apache.tomcat/tomcat-catalina
Maven
≥ 11.0.0-M1
< 11.0.22
11.0.22

References

NVD — CVE-2026-43514 NVD
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-43514
Security Fix Commit FIX COMMIT
https://github.com/apache/tomcat/commit/933dcdbf2515972280002929e7e597dead2e9ffa
Security Fix Commit FIX COMMIT
https://github.com/apache/tomcat/commit/a102a2a157868ca51d83eaf5a119ccd9976a113e
Security Fix Commit FIX COMMIT
https://github.com/apache/tomcat/commit/d35d9d23263c8e4af561f615c960c91697ff200e
Apache Tomcat Source Repository REPOSITORY
https://github.com/apache/tomcat
lists.apache.org/thread/2k654v5cq123... WEB
https://lists.apache.org/thread/2k654v5cq123npfsd1b2kk1y30owqb1m
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
https://tomcat.apache.org/security-10.html
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
https://tomcat.apache.org/security-11.html
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
https://tomcat.apache.org/security-9.html
Apache Tomcat Security Information SECURITY
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/12/10

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-43514?
CVE-2026-43514 is a security vulnerability in Apache Tomcat involving Apache Tomcat - AJP secret compared in non-constant time under CWE-208: Observable Timing Discrepancy.
Which Apache Tomcat versions are affected?
Affected versions include releases prior to 9.0.118, 10.1.55, 11.0.22 across affected packages: org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core, org.apache.tomcat:tomcat, org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina.
What version fixes CVE-2026-43514?
Upgrading to 9.0.118, 10.1.55, 11.0.22 (or the latest patched release for your respective branch) resolves the vulnerability.
Is tomcat-embed-core affected?
Yes, org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core is affected in releases prior to 9.0.118, 10.1.55, 11.0.22. Upgrade your dependency to 9.0.118, 10.1.55, 11.0.22 or later.
Is tomcat affected?
Yes, org.apache.tomcat:tomcat is affected in releases prior to 9.0.118, 10.1.55, 11.0.22. Upgrade your dependency to 9.0.118, 10.1.55, 11.0.22 or later.
What is the CVSS score of CVE-2026-43514?
CVE-2026-43514 has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 3.7 (LOW) with vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N.
What CWE is associated with CVE-2026-43514?
CVE-2026-43514 is classified under CWE-208: Observable Timing Discrepancy (Two separate operations in a product require different amounts of time to complete, in a way that is observable to an actor and reveals security-relevant information about the state of the product, such as whether a particular operation was successful or not.).
How can I check Maven dependencies for CVE-2026-43514?
Run the dependency tree command: 'mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.apache.tomcat.embed'. This command lists direct and transitive dependencies in your build configuration so you can verify if a vulnerable version is resolved.
Machine-readable OSV JSON OSV v1.5 Schema
Normalized schema output
View Raw JSON 
{
  "schema_version" : "1.4.0",
  "id" : "GHSA-9m89-8frq-c98c",
  "modified" : "2026-05-19T14:28:51Z",
  "published" : "2026-05-12T18:30:38Z",
  "aliases" : [ "CVE-2026-43514" ],
  "summary" : "Apache Tomcat - AJP secret compared in non-constant time",
  "details" : "Versions Affected:\nApache Tomcat 11.0.0-M1 to 11.0.21\nApache Tomcat 10.1.0-M1 to 10.1.54\nApache Tomcat 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.117\nOlder, unsupported versions may also be affected\n\nDescription:\nThe AJP secret was compared in non-constant time allowing an attacker on\nthe local network to mount a timing attack to determine the AJP secret.\n\nMitigation:\nUsers of the affected versions should apply one of the following\nmitigations:\n- Upgrade to Apache Tomcat 11.0.22 or later\n- Upgrade to Apache Tomcat 10.1.55 or later\n- Upgrade to Apache Tomcat 9.0.118 or later",
  "severity" : [ {
    "type" : "CVSS_V3",
    "score" : "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N"
  } ],
  "affected" : [ {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "0"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "9.0.118"
      } ]
    } ]
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "10.1.0-M1"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "10.1.55"
      } ]
    } ]
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat.embed:tomcat-embed-core"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
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      } ]
    } ]
  }, {
    "package" : {
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      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat:tomcat"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
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      }, {
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      } ]
    } ]
  }, {
    "package" : {
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      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat:tomcat"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
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    } ]
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat:tomcat"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
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      }, {
        "fixed" : "11.0.22"
      } ]
    } ]
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "0"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "9.0.118"
      } ]
    } ]
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "10.1.0-M1"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "10.1.55"
      } ]
    } ]
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.apache.tomcat:tomcat-catalina"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "11.0.0-M1"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "11.0.22"
      } ]
    } ]
  } ],
  "references" : [ {
    "type" : "ADVISORY",
    "url" : "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-43514"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/apache/tomcat/commit/933dcdbf2515972280002929e7e597dead2e9ffa"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/apache/tomcat/commit/a102a2a157868ca51d83eaf5a119ccd9976a113e"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/apache/tomcat/commit/d35d9d23263c8e4af561f615c960c91697ff200e"
  }, {
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    "url" : "https://github.com/apache/tomcat"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://lists.apache.org/thread/2k654v5cq123npfsd1b2kk1y30owqb1m"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://tomcat.apache.org/security-10.html"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://tomcat.apache.org/security-11.html"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://tomcat.apache.org/security-9.html"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/12/10"
  } ],
  "database_specific" : {
    "cwe_ids" : [ "CWE-208" ],
    "severity" : "LOW",
    "github_reviewed" : true,
    "github_reviewed_at" : "2026-05-19T14:28:51Z",
    "nvd_published_at" : "2026-05-12T16:16:18Z"
  }
}