CVE-2026-45187: Apache OFBiz Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2026-45187 Overview

CVE-2026-45187 is an Improper Authorization vulnerability [CWE-285] affecting the Webtools component of Apache OFBiz. The flaw allows unauthenticated network attackers to access functionality that should be restricted by access controls. Apache OFBiz is an open source enterprise resource planning (ERP) suite used for accounting, customer relationship management, and supply chain operations.

The issue affects all Apache OFBiz versions prior to 24.09.06. The Apache OFBiz project recommends upgrading to version 24.09.06 to remediate the vulnerability.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated remote attackers can bypass authorization controls in Apache OFBiz Webtools, exposing confidential data and enabling limited integrity impact across affected deployments.

Affected Products

• Apache OFBiz versions before 24.09.06
• Apache OFBiz Webtools component
• Deployments exposing OFBiz Webtools endpoints to the network

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-05-19 - CVE-2026-45187 published to NVD
• 2026-05-19 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-45187

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in the Webtools component of Apache OFBiz. Webtools is the administrative and developer-facing interface bundled with OFBiz that exposes utilities for data import/export, service invocation, entity inspection, and system configuration. Improper authorization checks allow a network-based attacker to interact with protected Webtools functionality without valid credentials.

According to the CVSS vector, the attack requires no privileges and no user interaction. Successful exploitation results in limited confidentiality and integrity impact, with no direct availability impact. The Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) value indicates a low near-term exploitation probability at this time.

Root Cause

The root cause is an improper authorization check [CWE-285] in Webtools. The component fails to consistently verify that a requesting principal holds the privileges required for the targeted operation. This allows requests to reach protected functionality through paths that should enforce role or permission validation.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based. An attacker sends crafted HTTP requests to Webtools endpoints on an exposed OFBiz instance. Because authentication is not required, attackers can probe accessible Webtools functionality directly. No verified proof-of-concept exploit code is publicly available at the time of publication.

For implementation specifics, refer to the Apache Mailing List Update and the Openwall OSS-Security Discussion.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-45187

Indicators of Compromise

• Unauthenticated HTTP requests to /webtools/control/ paths originating from external IP addresses.
• Access log entries showing Webtools utility invocations without prior successful authentication events.
• Anomalous use of entity data import, export, or service invocation endpoints exposed by Webtools.

Detection Strategies

• Inspect OFBiz application access logs for requests to Webtools endpoints that lack an associated authenticated session identifier.
• Correlate web server logs with OFBiz authentication events to identify functionality accessed outside of a valid login flow.
• Monitor outbound responses from Webtools endpoints for unexpected data volumes that may indicate unauthorized export operations.

Monitoring Recommendations

• Forward OFBiz, reverse proxy, and web application firewall logs to a central analytics platform for retention and query.
• Alert on requests to Webtools paths from source IP ranges that are not part of administrative networks.
• Track changes to entity data and configuration that occur outside scheduled administrative windows.

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-45187

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade Apache OFBiz to version 24.09.06 or later, as recommended by the Apache OFBiz project.
• Restrict network access to OFBiz Webtools endpoints so they are reachable only from trusted administrative networks.
• Review access logs for prior unauthenticated requests to Webtools and validate the integrity of entity data and configuration.

Patch Information

Apache OFBiz version 24.09.06 contains the fix for CVE-2026-45187. The Apache OFBiz project published guidance on the Apache Mailing List Update. Administrators should apply the upgrade and validate that Webtools authorization checks are enforced after deployment.

Workarounds

• Place OFBiz Webtools behind a reverse proxy that enforces network-level authentication or IP allowlisting.
• Disable or remove the Webtools component on production instances where the administrative interface is not required.
• Apply web application firewall rules that block unauthenticated requests to Webtools control paths.

# Configuration example: restrict Webtools to an internal management network using nginx
location /webtools/ {
    allow 10.0.0.0/8;
    deny  all;
    proxy_pass http://ofbiz_backend;
}