# CVE-2026-92230: Apache Karaf unbounded Metaspace growth via ThreadLocal caching

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-92230-apache-karaf-unbounded-metaspace-growth-via-threadlocal-caching  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-09-17. Updated: 2026-09-26  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-92230 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.5 · Published 2026-09-17

Apache Karaf is an open-source OSGi container used to build enterprise applications and middleware. A defect in how the system caches XML processing factories causes ClassLoader references to persist in memory even after bundles are removed, leading to unbounded memory growth in the Metaspace region and eventual server unavailability without restart.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-92230 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-92230 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-92230?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.5, published 17 September 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Apache Karaf before 4.4.11.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-92230?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2026-92230 attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-92230?** Check whether you run Apache Karaf 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

The vulnerability exists in Apache Karaf's XmlUtils class, which caches XML parser and transformer factories in static ThreadLocal fields. These ThreadLocal values persist on long-lived container threads and are never released, even after the OSGi bundle that created them is unloaded. Repeated bundle install, update, or refresh operations leave successive ClassLoader references pinned in memory and unreachable for garbage collection, causing unbounded Metaspace growth. The attack vector is local/administrative—only operators who can trigger bundle operations are affected. An attacker with bundle management privileges can exhaust Metaspace, leading to a denial of service condition. Patches are available in Apache Karaf 4.4.11 and later.

## Affected products

- Apache Karaf before 4.4.11

## Timeline

- 2026-09-17: disclosed
- 2026-09-17: advisory

## References

- [https://lists.apache.org/thread/pxgqjvsmzgpvgly1qf1w300qxsp8bxdj](https://lists.apache.org/thread/pxgqjvsmzgpvgly1qf1w300qxsp8bxdj)
- [http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/09/17/3](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/09/17/3)

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- [Apache Karaf instance-management command injection in javaOpts](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-91006-apache-karaf-s-instance-management-service-instanceserviceimpl)