# CVE-2026-42537: Apache Ranger remote code execution via JDBC URL injection

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-42537-apache-ranger-remote-code-execution-via-jdbc-url-injection  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-08-10. Updated: 2026-09-25  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-42537 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.8 · Published 2026-08-10

Apache Ranger is an open-source platform for managing user access and permissions across Hadoop clusters and other enterprise data platforms. A JDBC URL injection vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely on systems running affected versions, potentially compromising all data managed by Ranger and the underlying Hadoop infrastructure.

Technologies: [Apache Ranger](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/ranger). Vendors: [Apache](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/apache).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-42537 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-42537 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-42537?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 9.8, published 10 August 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Apache Ranger through 2.8.0.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-42537?** A patch was published on 2026-08-10: fix available in version 2.9.0 Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-42537 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a hosted service.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-42537?** Check whether you run Apache Ranger at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

The vulnerability exists in Apache Ranger versions 2.8.0 and earlier and is exploited via JDBC URL injection. An attacker can inject malicious commands through JDBC URL parameters without requiring authentication or special privileges. The root cause lies in improper input validation and sanitization of JDBC connection strings. Successful exploitation allows remote code execution with the privileges of the Ranger service process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The fix is available in version 2.9.0 and later.

## Affected products

- Apache Ranger through 2.8.0

## Timeline

- 2026-08-09: disclosed
- 2026-08-10: patched: fix available in version 2.9.0

## References

- [https://lists.apache.org/thread/ymwvz8cwv3wm8fq21pnd7fco0l1m4wrp](https://lists.apache.org/thread/ymwvz8cwv3wm8fq21pnd7fco0l1m4wrp)
- [http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/08/09/5](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/08/09/5)

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