# CVE-2026-49230: Apache APISIX authentication bypass in jwe-decrypt plugin

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-49230-apache-apisix-authentication-bypass-in-jwe-decrypt-plugin  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-06-19. Updated: 2026-06-21  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-49230 · Severity: info · CVSS 6.3 · Published 2026-06-19

Apache APISIX, a popular cloud-native API gateway used to manage and secure web traffic, contains a security flaw in its JWE decryption plugin. Under default settings, an attacker can bypass authentication mechanisms intended to protect backend services. This could allow unauthorized access to sensitive internal applications or data.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-49230 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-49230 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-49230?** Informational severity, with a CVSS score of 6.3, published 19 June 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Apache APISIX 3.8.0 through 3.16.0.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-49230?** A patch was published on 2026-06-19: Version 3.17.0 released to address the issue Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-49230 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-49230?** Check whether you run Apache APISIX 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 Validation of Integrity Check Value (CWE-354) vulnerability exists in the Apache APISIX jwe-decrypt plugin. When running under default configurations, the plugin fails to correctly verify the integrity of JSON Web Encryption (JWE) tokens. A remote, unauthenticated attacker can exploit this flaw to bypass authentication requirements and gain unauthorized access to protected resources. The issue affects versions 3.8.0 through 3.16.0 and is resolved in version 3.17.0.

## Affected products

- Apache APISIX 3.8.0 through 3.16.0

## Timeline

- 2026-06-19: advisory: NVD and Apache mailing list publication
- 2026-06-19: patched: Version 3.17.0 released to address the issue

## References

- [https://lists.apache.org/thread/n0blgkpvz38ghh5rrh6wtl476919xj1b](https://lists.apache.org/thread/n0blgkpvz38ghh5rrh6wtl476919xj1b)
- [http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/06/19/12](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/06/19/12)

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