CVE-2026-82232: Apache Syncope SQL Injection Vulnerability

CVE-2026-82232 Overview

CVE-2026-82232 is a SQL injection vulnerability in Apache Syncope affecting the Task search functionality. An administrator with sufficient entitlements can execute arbitrary SQL via stacked queries by injecting into unsanitized sort clauses. The flaw is tracked under CWE-89 and affects Apache Syncope versions 3.0.0-M0 through 3.0.16, 4.0.0-M0 through 4.0.7, and 4.1.0-M0 through 4.1.2. The Apache Syncope project has released versions 4.0.8 and 4.1.3 to remediate the issue.

Critical Impact
Authenticated administrators can execute arbitrary SQL statements against the Syncope database, enabling data exfiltration, identity store manipulation, and potential lateral movement into downstream provisioned systems.

Affected Products

Apache Syncope 3.0.0-M0 through 3.0.16
Apache Syncope 4.0.0-M0 through 4.0.7
Apache Syncope 4.1.0-M0 through 4.1.2

Discovery Timeline

2026-09-14 - CVE-2026-82232 published to NVD
2026-09-14 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-82232

Vulnerability Analysis

Apache Syncope is an open source identity management system used to govern users, groups, and application accounts across enterprise environments. The vulnerability resides in the Task search endpoint, where the orderby (sort clause) parameter is concatenated into a SQL statement without proper neutralization of special characters. Because the underlying database driver permits stacked queries, an attacker can terminate the intended SELECT and append arbitrary additional statements such as INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, or database-specific commands. Exploitation compromises confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the identity store, and any credentials or provisioning data held within Syncope become exposed.

Root Cause

The defect is a classic failure to parameterize a user-controllable query fragment. Sort clauses are typically difficult to bind with prepared statements because column names and directions cannot be passed as parameters. Syncope constructed the ORDER BY portion of the Task search query through string concatenation without validating input against an allow-list of legitimate sortable columns.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires an authenticated administrator account holding entitlements for Task search operations. The attacker submits a crafted sort parameter to the Task search API. The malicious fragment closes the ORDER BY expression, appends a semicolon, and issues a secondary SQL statement executed in the same session. See the Apache Mailing List Thread and OpenWall OSS-Security Update for the coordinated advisory.

// No verified proof-of-concept code is published.
// See the Apache advisory referenced above for technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-82232

Indicators of Compromise

Task search API requests containing SQL metacharacters such as semicolons, comment sequences (--, /*), or keywords (UNION, INSERT, DROP) inside the orderby parameter.
Unexpected write activity on Syncope database tables originating from the application service account outside normal provisioning workflows.
New or modified administrator accounts, entitlements, or connector configurations that do not match approved change tickets.

Detection Strategies

Review Syncope application and access logs for HTTP requests to Task search endpoints that include non-alphabetic characters in sort parameters.
Enable database query auditing and alert on stacked statements executed by the Syncope service account.
Correlate authentication events for administrator accounts with abnormal API usage patterns against the Task search resource.

Monitoring Recommendations

Ingest Syncope, application server, and database audit logs into a centralized analytics platform for cross-source correlation.
Baseline normal administrator API activity and alert on deviations in request volume or parameter entropy.
Monitor egress traffic from the Syncope host for large or unusual data transfers that may indicate exfiltration following SQL execution.

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-82232

Immediate Actions Required

Upgrade Apache Syncope to version 4.0.8 or 4.1.3, or the corresponding patched release for the 3.0.x branch as published by the vendor.
Audit administrator accounts and revoke Task search entitlements from users who do not require them.
Review database and application logs for prior exploitation attempts against Task search endpoints.

Patch Information

The Apache Syncope project addresses this vulnerability in versions 4.0.8 and 4.1.3. Users on the 3.0.x branch should consult the Apache Mailing List Thread for upgrade guidance. Apply the update in a staging environment and validate provisioning workflows before rolling to production.

Workarounds

Restrict administrator access to the Syncope console and REST API using network segmentation and IP allow-listing until patches are deployed.
Enforce multi-factor authentication on all Syncope administrator accounts to reduce the risk of credential-based abuse.
Deploy a web application firewall rule to block Task search requests whose sort parameters contain SQL metacharacters.

bash

# Example WAF rule concept (ModSecurity-style)
SecRule ARGS:orderby "@rx [;()']|--|/\*|\bunion\b|\bselect\b" \
  "id:1026822320,phase:2,deny,status:403,\
   msg:'Potential SQLi in Syncope Task search orderby'"