Apache Karaf's instance-management service (InstanceServiceImpl) builds the command line used to launch a child Karaf JVM by string concatenation, then executes it through /bin/sh (Unix) or cscript (Windows). The caller-supplied javaOpts value is spliced into that string unquoted. A javaOpts value containing shell metacharacters (;, |, `, $(...)) is interpreted by the shell instead of being passed to the JVM as an option, giving arbitrary OS command execution as the Karaf process user.
Reachable via the shell commands instance:create, instance:start, instance:restart, instance:change-opts, and the equivalent InstanceMBean JMX operations (createInstance, startInstance, changeJavaOpts, cloneInstance).
Mitigation * Set karaf.secured.command.compulsory.roles=admin in etc/system.properties to close the fail-open gap for all unconfigured command scopes.
* Restrict which principals can reach instance:* commands and InstancesMBean via etc/users.properties role assignments.
* Treat javaOpts passed to instance:create/instance:start/instance:change-opts/InstancesMBean as untrusted input only from fully-trusted operators.
References
| Link | Resource |
|---|---|
| https://lists.apache.org/thread/olzy0yjw82b20w59vonfjr1x7v5yzocr | Mailing List Vendor Advisory |
| http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/09/28/3 | Mailing List Third Party Advisory |
Configurations
History
08 Oct 2026, 19:19
| Type | Values Removed | Values Added |
|---|---|---|
| First Time |
Apache
Apache karaf |
|
| CPE | cpe:2.3:a:apache:karaf:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:* | |
| References | () https://lists.apache.org/thread/olzy0yjw82b20w59vonfjr1x7v5yzocr - Mailing List, Vendor Advisory | |
| References | () http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/09/28/3 - Mailing List, Third Party Advisory |
29 Sep 2026, 22:19
| Type | Values Removed | Values Added |
|---|---|---|
| CVSS |
v2 : v3 : |
v2 : unknown
v3 : 8.8 |
28 Sep 2026, 14:17
| Type | Values Removed | Values Added |
|---|---|---|
| References |
|
28 Sep 2026, 11:16
| Type | Values Removed | Values Added |
|---|---|---|
| New CVE |
Information
Published : 2026-09-28 11:16
Updated : 2026-10-08 19:19
NVD link : CVE-2026-91006
Mitre link : CVE-2026-91006
CVE.ORG link : CVE-2026-91006
JSON object : View
Products Affected
apache
- karaf
CWE
CWE-78
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')
