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.
CVSS Score
4.3
EPSS Score
0.001
Published
2026-06-02
Information exposure vulnerability has been identified in Apache Kafka.
The NetworkClient component will output entire requests and responses information in the DEBUG log level in the logs. By default, the log level is set to INFO level. If the DEBUG level is enabled, the sensitive information will be exposed via the requests and responses output log. The entire lists of impacted requests and responses are:
* AlterConfigsRequest
* AlterUserScramCredentialsRequest
* ExpireDelegationTokenRequest
* IncrementalAlterConfigsRequest
* RenewDelegationTokenRequest
* SaslAuthenticateRequest
* createDelegationTokenResponse
* describeDelegationTokenResponse
* SaslAuthenticateResponse
This issue affects Apache Kafka: from any version supported the listed API above through v3.9.1, v4.0.0. We advise the Kafka users to upgrade to v3.9.2, v4.0.1, or later to avoid this vulnerability.
CVSS Score
5.3
EPSS Score
0.002
Published
2026-04-20