# CVE-2026-97712: Sonatype Nexus Repository 3 privilege escalation in role management

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-97712-sonatype-nexus-repository-3-allows-a-user-that-holds-the-role  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-15. Updated: 2026-10-16  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-97712 · Severity: info · Published 2026-10-15

Nexus Repository 3 is a package management system used by organizations to host and distribute software components. A vulnerability in the role management feature allows users with role creation or update permissions to grant themselves administrative privileges they should not have, potentially giving complete control of the repository and all its contents to an attacker.

Vendors: [Sonatype](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/sonatype).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-97712 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-97712 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-97712?** Informational severity, published 15 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Sonatype Nexus Repository 3 CE 3.0.0 to 3.96.4; Sonatype Nexus Repository 3 Pro 3.0.0 to 3.96.4.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-97712?** Yes: fixed in Sonatype Nexus Repository 3 CE/Pro version 3.97.0. Until then: Restrict the nx-roles-create and nx-roles-update privileges to fully trusted administrators only. Review existing roles held by users with these privileges for unexpected permissions. Implement network-level access control to limit access to the Nexus Repository web interface to trusted networks. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-97712 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a hosted service.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-97712?** Check whether you run Sonatype Nexus Repository 3 CE or Sonatype Nexus Repository 3 Pro 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 Sonatype Nexus Repository 3 CE/Pro version 3.97.0

Restrict the nx-roles-create and nx-roles-update privileges to fully trusted administrators only. Review existing roles held by users with these privileges for unexpected permissions. Implement network-level access control to limit access to the Nexus Repository web interface to trusted networks.

## Technical details

A missing authorization check in the role management functions (CWE-862) allows an authenticated attacker with nx-roles-create or nx-roles-update privileges to assign roles and permissions they do not themselves hold. By escalating privileges to administrative level, an attacker gains read and write access to all repositories, users, roles, and system configuration. A network connection to the web interface and role creation/update permission are prerequisites.

## Affected products

- Sonatype Nexus Repository 3 CE 3.0.0 to 3.96.4
- Sonatype Nexus Repository 3 Pro 3.0.0 to 3.96.4

## Timeline

- 2026-10-15: disclosed
- 2026-10-15: patched: Fixed in version 3.97.0

## References

- [https://help.sonatype.com/en/sonatype-nexus-repository-3-97-0-release-notes.html](https://help.sonatype.com/en/sonatype-nexus-repository-3-97-0-release-notes.html)
- [https://support.sonatype.com/hc/en-us/articles/56207076233619/](https://support.sonatype.com/hc/en-us/articles/56207076233619/)

## Related threats

- [Sonatype Nexus Repository 3 Pro account status bypass in SAML/OAuth2](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-113373-sonatype-nexus-repository-3-pro-does-not-check-the-local-account)