# CVE-2026-42782: Apache Syncope sandbox escape via Groovy static initializer

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-42782-apache-syncope-sandbox-escape-via-groovy-static-initializer  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-05-25. Updated: 2026-06-30  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-42782 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.2 · Published 2026-05-25

Apache Syncope, an open-source system for managing digital identities, contains a security flaw that could allow a high-level administrator to execute unauthorized code on the server. By creating a specially crafted script, an attacker with administrative access can bypass security restrictions to run commands outside of the intended protected environment. This could lead to a full takeover of the identity management system and access to sensitive user data.

Technologies: [Apache Software Foundation Syncope](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/syncope). Vendors: [Apache Software Foundation](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/apache-software-foundation), [Maven](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/maven).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-42782 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-42782 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-42782?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.2, published 25 May 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Apache Software Foundation Syncope 3.0 through 3.0.16, 4.0 through 4.0.5, 4.1.0; org.apache.syncope.core:syncope-core-spring (Maven) ECOSYSTEM:introduced=3.0.0-M0,last_affected=3.0.16.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-42782?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2026-42782 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a network appliance.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-42782?** Check whether you run Apache Software Foundation Syncope or org.apache.syncope.core:syncope-core-spring (Maven) 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

An improper isolation vulnerability (CWE-653) exists in Apache Syncope's handling of Groovy implementations. While Groovy scripts are generally sandboxed, the static initializer of a Groovy class was not subject to the same restrictions. An attacker with administrative privileges ('Implementations' entitlements) can define a malicious Groovy class where the static initializer contains code that executes in a non-sandboxed path. This allows for post-authentication Remote Code Execution (RCE) on the underlying host. The vulnerability is addressed in versions 4.0.6 and 4.1.1 by ensuring static initializers are also executed within the sandbox.

## Affected products

- Apache Syncope 3.0 through 3.0.16, 4.0 through 4.0.5, 4.1.0

## Identifiers

- CVE-2026-42782
- GHSA-gq7g-vg2q-jvq3

## Timeline

- 2026-05-25: disclosed
- 2026-05-25: advisory: NVD and Apache mailing list publication
- 2026-05-26: advisory: GitHub Advisory published

## References

- [https://lists.apache.org/thread/b869ms0ofrd129f7tgsn9flxgv9ztg2r](https://lists.apache.org/thread/b869ms0ofrd129f7tgsn9flxgv9ztg2r)
- [http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/25/4](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/25/4)

## Related threats

- [Apache Syncope SSRF in Connectors and Resources check](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-62418-apache-syncope-ssrf-in-connectors-and-resources-check)
- [Apache Syncope remote code execution via BPMN Groovy scripts](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-53405-apache-syncope-remote-code-execution-via-bpmn-groovy-scripts)
- [Apache Syncope information disclosure via malicious JEXL expression](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-42797-apache-syncope-information-disclosure-via-malicious-jexl)
- [Apache Syncope allows malicious administrators to inject Groovy code](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2025-57738-apache-syncope-allows-malicious-administrators-to-inject-groovy)