CVE-2026-57308: Apache Syncope SQL Injection Vulnerability

CVE-2026-57308 Overview

CVE-2026-57308 is a SQL injection vulnerability in Apache Syncope, an open-source identity management system. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements in sort parameters, allowing an authenticated administrator with sufficient entitlements to execute arbitrary SQL statements through stacked queries. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-89] and affects multiple release branches of Apache Syncope. The Apache Syncope project has released patched versions to address the issue.

Critical Impact
An administrator with adequate entitlements can execute arbitrary SQL commands via stacked queries by leveraging unsanitized sort parameters, potentially compromising the underlying database.

Affected Products

Apache Syncope 3.0.0-M0 through 3.0.16
Apache Syncope 4.0.0-M0 through 4.0.6
Apache Syncope 4.1.0-M0 through 4.1.1

Discovery Timeline

2026-07-20 - CVE-2026-57308 published to NVD
2026-07-21 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-57308

Vulnerability Analysis

Apache Syncope fails to properly neutralize special SQL elements passed through sort parameters in administrative interfaces. The vulnerability allows attackers to break out of the intended SQL query context and append arbitrary SQL statements using stacked queries. Stacked queries permit multiple SQL statements to be executed in a single request when the underlying database driver supports the pattern.

Exploitation requires authentication as an administrator with adequate entitlements. Once authenticated, the attacker can manipulate the sort parameter in API requests to inject SQL syntax that the backend passes to the database without proper sanitization. This exposes the entire identity management datastore, including user records, credentials, and configuration data.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing input validation and parameterization on sort parameters used to construct dynamic SQL queries. Instead of using bound parameters or a strict allowlist for orderable columns, the affected Syncope code paths concatenate user-supplied sort values directly into SQL statements. This concatenation is the classic pattern that enables [CWE-89] SQL injection.

Attack Vector

The attack is delivered over the network against the Syncope administrative API. An authenticated administrator crafts a request containing a malicious sort parameter that includes a statement separator followed by additional SQL commands. Because entitlement checks gate the vulnerable endpoint, the practical risk includes malicious insiders, compromised administrator credentials, and privilege escalation chained from other flaws.

Refer to the Apache Security Discussion and the Openwall OSS Security Update for technical details published by the project.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-57308

Indicators of Compromise

Requests to Syncope REST endpoints containing sort parameters with SQL metacharacters such as semicolons, -- comment sequences, or UNION/SELECT keywords.
Database audit logs showing unexpected INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, or DDL statements originating from the Syncope application account.
Administrative session activity from unusual IP addresses or outside normal maintenance windows.

Detection Strategies

Enable verbose query logging on the Syncope backend database and alert on multi-statement queries from the application user.
Inspect Syncope access logs for sort= query string values containing characters outside the expected column name allowlist.
Correlate administrative authentication events with subsequent anomalous database write activity.

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward Syncope application logs and database audit logs to a centralized analytics platform for correlation.
Baseline normal administrator API usage patterns and alert on deviations in query volume or parameter shape.
Monitor for privilege changes, new administrator accounts, or unexpected schema modifications after administrative sessions.

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-57308

Immediate Actions Required

Upgrade Apache Syncope to version 4.0.7 or 4.1.2, which contain the fix for CVE-2026-57308.
Audit administrator entitlements and remove excess privileges from accounts that do not require them.
Rotate database credentials used by the Syncope application after patching to invalidate any exposed secrets.

Patch Information

The Apache Syncope project recommends upgrading to version 4.0.7 for the 4.0.x branch or version 4.1.2 for the 4.1.x branch. The 3.0.x branch is affected through 3.0.16 and users should consult the Apache Security Discussion for guidance on upgrade paths from the 3.0.x line.

Workarounds

Restrict network access to Syncope administrative endpoints using firewall rules or a reverse proxy allowlist until patching is complete.
Enforce least-privilege on Syncope administrator roles to reduce the number of accounts that hold the entitlements required to reach the vulnerable code path.
Configure the database account used by Syncope with the minimum permissions required, denying DDL and cross-database access where possible.

bash

# Configuration example: restrict database permissions for the Syncope service account
REVOKE ALL PRIVILEGES ON *.* FROM 'syncope'@'%';
GRANT SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE ON syncope_db.* TO 'syncope'@'%';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;