Apache Zookeeper
CVE-2026-84501
An unauthenticated attacker can inject arbitrary fake log lines into Apache ZooKeeper's operational log by sending a crafted add_auth("ensemble", ...) request containing newline characters (\n). When the ensemble name doesn't match, EnsembleAuthenticationProvider.handleAuthentication() logs the raw, unsanitized name via LOG.warn(). Because SLF4J's {} placeholder preserves embedded newlines, the attacker can forge complete log entries — with arbitrary timestamps, log levels, class names, and messages — that are visually indistinguishable from genuine ZooKeeper log output. This issue affects Apache ZooKeeper: from 3.9.0 through 3.9.5, from 3.8.0 through 3.8.6. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 3.8.7 or 3.9.6, which fixes the issue.
What this means for your business
- It affects Apache Zookeeper. It matters if your company, or a supplier that handles your data, runs it.
- An attacker can use it remotely, over a network, without a login, and without anyone at your company clicking anything.
- FIRST's prediction model gives it a 0.8% chance of attack attempts being seen in the next 30 days, ranking above 54% of all known flaws.
What to do
- 1Check whether your company or your suppliers run Apache Zookeeper, and which version. The affected versions are listed further down this page.
- 2If you do, apply the vendor's fix. A patch or vendor advisory has been published.
Fastnexa security experts
Not sure if your company is exposed to CVE-2026-84501?
Tell us where you run Apache Zookeeper and a Fastnexa penetration tester will check whether this flaw, or others like it, can be used against your websites, apps and network.
The full test is free for our first 10 founding clients until 31 December 2026. See the offer
Think you’ve already been hit? Don’t wait on a form: call or WhatsApp +1 (732) 454 2616. We reply within 1 hour, 24/7. Emergency help →
Scoring
- CVSS
- 5.3 (v3.1)
- Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N- Weakness
- CWE-117
- Assigned by
- security@apache.org
Dates
- Published
- 2026-09-16
- Last modified
- 2026-09-18
- Sources
- NVD
Affected products
- Apache Zookeeper3.8.0 - 3.8.7, 3.9.0 - 3.9.6
As listed in the NVD configuration data. Not a statement about your estate.