# CVE-2026-71563: Apache Answer missing authorization in MCP answer retrieval

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-71563-missing-authorization-vulnerability-in-apache-answer-this-issue  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-19. Updated: 2026-10-19  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-71563 · Severity: info · Published 2026-10-19

Apache Answer is a Q&A platform that manages user-generated questions and answers. An authorization flaw allows users with a global API key to access answer content from hidden, deleted, or pending-review questions that should not be visible to them. This could expose sensitive or confidential information that was intentionally restricted.

Technologies: [Apache Answer](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/apache-answer). Vendors: [Apache](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/apache).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-71563 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-71563 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-71563?** Informational severity, published 19 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Apache Answer through 2.0.2.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-71563?** Yes: fixed in 2.0.3. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-71563 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a web application.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-71563?** Check whether you run Apache Answer 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.

## How to fix

- Fixed in 2.0.3

## Technical details

A missing authorization check exists in the MCP answer retrieval tool that fails to validate whether a request should have access to content associated with hidden, deleted, or pending-review questions. An attacker holding a global API key can bypass visibility controls to retrieve restricted answer content. The vulnerability is fixed in version 2.0.3.

## Affected products

- Apache Answer through 2.0.2

## Timeline

- 2026-10-19: disclosed

## References

- [https://lists.apache.org/thread/msodd7g2r6xdn9wpkpdp04m9g1jb2xtl](https://lists.apache.org/thread/msodd7g2r6xdn9wpkpdp04m9g1jb2xtl)

## Related threats

- [Apache Answer missing authentication for reactions API](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-90910-missing-authentication-for-critical-function-vulnerability-in)
- [Apache Answer authentication algorithm implementation flaw](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-86589-incorrect-implementation-of-authentication-algorithm)
- [Apache Answer missing authorization checks](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-79633-vulnerability-in-apache-answer-this-issue-affects-apache-answer)
- [Apache Answer insufficient session expiration](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-79624-insufficient-session-expiration-vulnerability-in-apache-answer)
- [Apache Answer sensitive information exposure in search](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-79620-exposure-of-sensitive-information-through-data-queries)