Vulnerability Description
The Camel-PQC FileBasedKeyLifecycleManager class deserializes the contents of `<keyId>.key` files in the configured key directory using java.io.ObjectInputStream without applying any ObjectInputFilter or class-loading restrictions. The cast to `java.security.KeyPair` is evaluated only after `readObject()` has already returned, so any `readObject()` side effects in the deserialized object run before the type check. An attacker who can write to the key directory used by a Camel application — for example through a path traversal into the directory, misconfigured filesystem permissions on the volume where keys are stored, a compromised key provisioning pipeline, or a symlink attack — can place a crafted serialized Java object that, when deserialized during normal key lifecycle operations, results in arbitrary code execution in the context of the application. This issue affects Apache Camel: from 4.19.0 before 4.20.0, from 4.18.0 before 4.18.2. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 4.20.0, which fixes the issue by replacing java.io.ObjectInputStream-based key and metadata storage with standard PKCS#8 (private key) / X.509 SubjectPublicKeyInfo (public key) Base64 JSON encoding. For users on the 4.18.x LTS releases stream, upgrade to 4.18.2.
CVSS Score
HIGH
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Apache | Camel | >= 4.18.0, < 4.18.2 |
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://camel.apache.org/security/CVE-2026-40048.htmlVendor Advisory
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/26/6Mailing ListThird Party Advisory
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-40048?
CVE-2026-40048 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 7.8 (HIGH). The Camel-PQC FileBasedKeyLifecycleManager class deserializes the contents of `<keyId>.key` files in the configured key directory using java.io.ObjectInputStream without applying any ObjectInputFilter...
How severe is CVE-2026-40048?
CVE-2026-40048 has been rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 7.8/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-40048?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Affected products include: Apache Camel.