CVE-2018-17196: Improper Input Validation in Apache Kafka

org.apache.kafka:kafka Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

24/05/2022
Yes i
High
8.8

CVE-2018-17196: Improper Input Validation in Apache Kafka. Affects org.apache.kafka:kafka versions >= 0.11.0.0, < 2.1.1. Fixed in 2.1.1. How to fix ↓

Free scan

Check if this vulnerability affects your application

Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.

Check my app free

No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds

Upload your dependency manifest or SBOM

Drag & drop your file here or

Java Javascript PHP Python Go Rust Ruby Dart C/C++ Elixir CycloneDX SPDX

Upload a supported dependency manifest or SBOM. No installation or source-code access required.

See supported files and SBOM formats
SBOM sbom.json · bom.json · bom.xml · *.spdx.json · *.cdx.json · *.cdx.xml
Java pom.xml · gradle.lockfile · buildscript-gradle.lockfile
Javascript package-lock.json · yarn.lock · pnpm-lock.yaml
PHP composer.lock
Python poetry.lock · requirements.txt · Pipfile.lock
Go go.mod
Rust Cargo.lock
Ruby Gemfile.lock
Dart pubspec.lock
C/C++ conan.lock
Elixir mix.lock
Enter your work email to receive your report link.

Verify your email to view the full report and start 30 days of continuous monitoring. No credit card required.

Sponsored Lume, the Habilume companion Habilume Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent. App Store Google Play

Background

Apache Kafka is an open-source distributed event streaming platform used for building real-time data pipelines and streaming applications. It provides a high-throughput, fault-tolerant, and scalable messaging system. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17196 affects Apache Kafka versions between 0.11.0.0 and 2.1.0. This vulnerability allows authenticated clients with Write permission on the respective topics to bypass transaction/idempotent ACL validation. It is important to note that only authenticated clients with the necessary permissions can exploit this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in Apache Kafka versions between 0.11.0.0 and 2.1.0 allows for the manual crafting of a Produce request that bypasses transaction/idempotent ACL validation. This means that an attacker with Write permission on the relevant topics can exploit this vulnerability. The impact of this vulnerability can be significant, as it allows an attacker to perform unauthorized actions within the Kafka system. However, upgrading to version 2.1.1 or later resolves this vulnerability.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

2.1.1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Workaround

There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. The recommended approach is to upgrade to the fixed version of Apache Kafka.

Conclusion

The vulnerability in Apache Kafka versions between 0.11.0.0 and 2.1.0, identified as CVE-2018-17196, allows authenticated clients with Write permission on the respective topics to bypass transaction/idempotent ACL validation. Upgrading to Apache Kafka version 2.1.1 or later resolves this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for org.apache.kafka:kafka →

Share this vulnerability

FAQ

Apache Kafka is an open-source distributed event streaming platform used for building real-time data pipelines and streaming applications.

Apache Kafka versions between 0.11.0.0 and 2.1.0 are affected by this vulnerability.

Only authenticated clients with Write permission on the respective topics can exploit this vulnerability.

The vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass transaction/idempotent ACL validation and perform unauthorized actions within the Kafka system.

To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to Apache Kafka version 2.1.1 or later.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for org.apache.kafka:kafka.

Sponsored Lume, the Habilume companion Habilume Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent. App Store Google Play

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

2.1.1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Subscribe to Vulert on Telegram
Daily digest of new CVEs, critical and high severity, affected packages and fixes — plus a weekly roundup.
Join the channel →
Help improve this record
Report an issue or send feedback