# CVE-2026-66756: Apache Tika path protection bypass in tika-server unpack endpoint

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-66756-apache-tika-path-protection-bypass-in-tika-server-unpack-endpoint  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-07-30. Updated: 2026-07-30  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-66756 · Severity: info · CVSS 6.9 · Published 2026-07-30

Apache Tika, a tool used for detecting and extracting metadata and text from various file types, contains a vulnerability in its server component. The 'unpack' feature fails to properly restrict certain file paths even when security protections are supposedly enabled. This could allow an attacker to bypass security configurations, potentially leading to unauthorized file access or manipulation on the server.

Vendors: [Apache Software Foundation](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/apache-software-foundation).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-66756 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-66756 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-66756?** Informational severity, with a CVSS score of 6.9, published 30 July 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Apache Software Foundation Tika 4.0.0-alpha-1 to 4.0.0-beta-1.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-66756?** A patch was published on 2026-07-30: Fixed in version 4.0.0-beta-1 Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-66756 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-66756?** Check whether you run Apache Software Foundation Tika 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 Protection of Alternate Path (CWE-424) vulnerability exists in the 'unpack' endpoint of Apache Tika-server. The flaw allows the endpoint to be configured or utilized in a way that bypasses security restrictions, specifically when 'unsecureFeatures' is set to false. This vulnerability affects versions 4.0.0-alpha-1 through 4.0.0-beta-1. An attacker could potentially exploit this to access or write to unintended file paths on the host system. The issue is resolved in version 4.0.0-beta-1.

## Affected products

- Apache Software Foundation Apache Tika 4.0.0-alpha-1 to 4.0.0-beta-1

## Timeline

- 2026-07-30: disclosed: Advisory published by Apache Software Foundation
- 2026-07-30: patched: Fixed in version 4.0.0-beta-1

## References

- [https://repo.maven.apache.org/maven2](https://repo.maven.apache.org/maven2)
- [https://lists.apache.org/thread/ynjg5lxwhqpc83pczf5y5561o2l4o568](https://lists.apache.org/thread/ynjg5lxwhqpc83pczf5y5561o2l4o568)
- [http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/07/30/24](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/07/30/24)