Apache Kafka Improper Auth: CONSUMER_GROUP_DESCRIBE API Mis-ACL
CVE-2026-41115 Published on June 2, 2026

Apache Kafka: Improper Authorization in CONSUMER_GROUP_DESCRIBE API
An 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.

Vendor Advisory NVD

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2026-41115 can be exploited with network access, and requires small amount of user privileges. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to have a small impact on confidentiality, a small impact on integrity and availability.

Attack Vector:
NETWORK
Attack Complexity:
LOW
Privileges Required:
LOW
User Interaction:
NONE
Scope:
UNCHANGED
Confidentiality Impact:
LOW
Integrity Impact:
NONE
Availability Impact:
NONE

Weakness Type

What is an AuthZ Vulnerability?

The software does not perform or incorrectly performs an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action.

CVE-2026-41115 has been classified to as an AuthZ vulnerability or weakness.


Products Associated with CVE-2026-41115

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Apache Kafka
 

Affected Versions

Apache Software Foundation Apache Kafka:

Exploit Probability

EPSS
0.09%
Percentile
25.36%

EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.