Apache Kafka: Improper Authorization in CONSUMER_GROUP_DESCRIBE API

Summary

CVECVE-2026-41115
StatePUBLISHED
Assignerapache
Source PriorityCVE Program / NVD first with legacy fallback
Published2026-06-02 10:16:25 UTC
Updated2026-06-02 10:16:25 UTC
DescriptionAn improper authorization vulnerability has been identified in Apache Kafka. The implementation of the CONSUMER_GROUP_DESCRIBE (69) API validates the DESCRIBE operation on the GROUP resource instead of the READ operation that documented in the official kafka documentation and the KIP-848. This discrepancy can result in misconfigured Access Control Lists (ACLs) and unintended security postures, like granting READ permission to users who should not be able to join/sync groups, or allowing users without READ permission (but with DESCRIBE permission) to access sensitive group metadata. The correct permission for CONSUMER_GROUP_DESCRIBE API is DESCRIBE GROUP so the current implementation is correct. However, the kafka documentation as well as the KIP-848 will be updated to reflect the correct permission. We advise the Kafka users to review existing group ACLs to ensure the principle of least privilege.

Risk And Classification

Problem Types: CWE-285 | CWE-285 CWE-285 Improper Authorization

Vendor Declared Affected Products

SourceVendorProductVersionPlatforms
CNA Apache Software Foundation Apache Kafka affected 4.0.0 4.3.0 semver Not specified

References

ReferenceSourceLinkTags
kafka.apache.org/cve-list [email protected] kafka.apache.org
CVE Program record CVE.ORG www.cve.org canonical
NVD vulnerability detail NVD nvd.nist.gov canonical, analysis

Vendor Comments And Credit

Discovery Credit

CNA: Luke Chen <[email protected]> (en)

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