# CVE-2026-49231: Apache APISIX authentication bypass in opa plugin

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-49231-apache-apisix-authentication-bypass-in-opa-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-2026-49231 · Severity: info · CVSS 2.3 · Published 2026-06-19

Apache APISIX is a cloud-native API gateway used to manage and secure traffic between users and backend services. A vulnerability in its Open Policy Agent (OPA) plugin allows attackers to send fake identity information to backend systems if the plugin is used with a specific non-default configuration. This could allow an unauthorized user to gain higher privileges or access sensitive data by pretending to be a different user.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-49231 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-49231 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-49231?** Informational severity, with a CVSS score of 2.3, published 19 June 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Apache APISIX 3.5.0 through 3.16.0.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-49231?** A patch was published on 2026-06-19: Fixed in version 3.17.0 Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-49231 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a hosted service.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-49231?** 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 authentication bypass by spoofing (CWE-290) exists in the Apache APISIX 'opa' plugin. When configured in a specific non-default manner, the plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize identity headers before relaying them to upstream services. A remote attacker with low privileges can exploit this by injecting spoofed identity headers into their requests, leading the upstream service to grant unauthorized access or elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects versions 3.5.0 through 3.16.0 and is resolved in version 3.17.0.

## Affected products

- Apache APISIX 3.5.0 through 3.16.0

## Timeline

- 2026-06-19: disclosed
- 2026-06-19: advisory
- 2026-06-19: patched: Fixed in version 3.17.0

## References

- [https://lists.apache.org/thread/s1jd1vxm59p6ghx47xhmpjdk1cobo4hn](https://lists.apache.org/thread/s1jd1vxm59p6ghx47xhmpjdk1cobo4hn)
- [http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/06/19/13](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/06/19/13)

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