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CVE-2026-40021 Detail

Description

Apache Log4net's XmlLayout https://logging.apache.org/log4net/manual/configuration/layouts.html#layout-list and XmlLayoutSchemaLog4J https://logging.apache.org/log4net/manual/configuration/layouts.html#layout-list , in versions before 3.3.0, fail to sanitize characters forbidden by the XML 1.0 specification https://www.w3.org/TR/xml/#charsets in MDC property keys and values, as well as the identity field that may carry attacker-influenced data. This causes an exception during serialization and the silent loss of the affected log event. An attacker who can influence any of these fields can exploit this to suppress individual log records, impairing audit trails and detection of malicious activity. Users are advised to upgrade to Apache Log4net 3.3.0, which fixes this issue.


Metrics

NVD enrichment efforts reference publicly available information to associate vector strings. CVSS information contributed by other sources is also displayed.
CVSS 4.0 Severity and Vector Strings:

NIST CVSS score
NIST: NVD
N/A
NVD assessment not yet provided.

Nist CVSS score does not match with CNA score
CNA:  Apache Software Foundation
CVSS-B 6.3 MEDIUM
Vector:  CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:H/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:L/SA:N

References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools

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URL Source(s) Tag(s)
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/10/11 CVE
https://github.com/apache/logging-log4net/pull/280 Apache Software Foundation
https://lists.apache.org/thread/q8otftjswhk69n3kxslqg7cobr0x4st7 Apache Software Foundation
https://logging.apache.org/cyclonedx/vdr.xml Apache Software Foundation
https://logging.apache.org/log4net/manual/configuration/layouts.html Apache Software Foundation
https://logging.apache.org/security.html#CVE-2026-40021 Apache Software Foundation

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-ID CWE Name Source
CWE-116 Improper Encoding or Escaping of Output Apache Software Foundation  

Change History

2 change records found show changes

Quick Info

CVE Dictionary Entry:
CVE-2026-40021
NVD Published Date:
04/10/2026
NVD Last Modified:
04/10/2026
Source:
Apache Software Foundation