CVE 6.3 MEDIUM

Apache Log4net: Silent log event loss in XmlLayout and XmlLayoutSchemaLog4J due to unescaped XML 1.0 forbidden characters_CVE-2026-40021

6.3 / 10
MEDIUM
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:H/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:L/SA:N

Description

Apache Log4net's XmlLayout https://logging.apache.org/log4net/manual/configuration/layouts.html#layout-list and XmlLayoutSchemaLog4J https://logging.apache.org/log4net/manual/configuration/layouts.html#layout-list , in versions before 3.3.0, fail to sanitize characters forbidden by the XML 1.0 specification https://www.w3.org/TR/xml/#charsets in MDC property keys and values, as well as the identity field that may carry attacker-influenced data. This causes an exception during serialization and the silent loss of the affected log event.

An attacker who can influence any of these fields can exploit this to suppress individual log records, impairing audit trails and detection of malicious activity.

Users are advised to upgrade to Apache Log4net 3.3.0, which fixes this issue.

Basic Information

ID CVE-2026-40021
Source apache
Published Apr 10, 2026 at 15:44
Modified Apr 10, 2026 at 17:35

Affected Product

Vendor Apache Software Foundation
Product Apache Log4net
Affected Versions Apache Software Foundation Apache Log4net 0

CWE Classification

References

💭 Join the Security Discussion

🔒 Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

⚠️ Please be respectful and constructive in your comments. Security discussions should remain professional.