# CVE-2026-86589: Apache Answer authentication algorithm implementation flaw

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-86589-incorrect-implementation-of-authentication-algorithm  
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-2026-86589 · Severity: info · Published 2026-10-19

Apache Answer, a Q&A platform, has a flaw in its user authentication system where newly created external user sessions fail to properly record the user's external identity. This allows attackers to bypass account suspension or deletion checks, potentially maintaining access to accounts that should be locked or removed.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-86589 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-86589 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-86589?** Informational severity, published 19 October 2026.

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

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-86589?** 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-2026-86589 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a web application.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-86589?** 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

The vulnerability is an incorrect implementation of the authentication algorithm in the User Center login integration, affecting external user session creation. Newly created external user sessions omit the external identity field, causing subsequent requests to fail central account suspension or deletion checks until the session expires. An attacker with access to an external identity that has been subsequently suspended or deleted can continue operating until session expiration.

## Affected products

- Apache Answer through 2.0.2

## Timeline

- 2026-10-19: disclosed

## References

- [https://lists.apache.org/thread/t8mbzfolzlqz4z5hcwq3v0lnwjqb2tl5](https://lists.apache.org/thread/t8mbzfolzlqz4z5hcwq3v0lnwjqb2tl5)

## 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 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)
- [Apache Answer information disclosure in user profiles](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-79613-vulnerability-in-apache-answer-this-issue-affects-apache-answer)