What happened
A critical XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability in the Apache Syncope identity management console can allow authenticated administrators to expose sensitive data and hijack user sessions. The flaw, tracked as CVE-2026-23795, exists in how the Syncope console improperly restricts XML External Entity references when administrators create or edit Keymaster configuration parameters, enabling crafted XML payloads to trigger unintended XML parsing behavior. An attacker with sufficient administrative entitlements can use this vector to read sensitive files, access internal system information, and compromise session tokens within the identity and access management infrastructure. Affected releases include Apache Syncope versions 3.0 through 3.0.15 and 4.0 through 4.0.3; patched versions 3.0.16 and 4.0.4 are now available to address the issue.Â
Who is affected
Deployments of Apache Syncope running affected versions of the console component are directly impacted, particularly in environments where administrator-level access is available and where Keymaster parameters are configured.Â
Why CISOs should care
XML parsing flaws in identity management platforms can lead to session compromise and unauthorized access to authentication and authorization data, increasing risk to enterprise IAM infrastructure and sensitive user information.Â
3 practical actions
- Apply patched releases. Upgrade Syncope console installations to version 3.0.16 or 4.0.4.Â
- Restrict administrative access. Limit the number of users with entitlement to modify Keymaster parameters.Â
- Audit XML handling configurations. Review systems for insecure XML input processing behavior in IAM components.Â