Sources: National Vulnerability Database, CVE.org, CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS
CVE-2026-110279 Overview
IBM ContextForge MCP Gateway 1.0.0 through 1.1.0 is vulnerable to improper credential handling because the X-Upstream-Authorization request header can override the gateway-managed upstream credential for OAuth (authorization_code and client_credentials), bearer and basic authenticated gateways, which could allow an authenticated user to cause upstream requests to be made with a different credential and bypass per-user permission and audit attribution.
Critical Impact
Affected Products
- IBM ContextForge MCP Gateway: see the vendor advisory for the exact affected versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-11-13: CVE-2026-110279 published to the National Vulnerability Database by psirt@us.ibm.com
- 2026-11-13: last updated in the NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-110279
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-110279 is a Improper Authentication weakness (CWE-287: Improper Authentication) in IBM ContextForge MCP Gateway. Based on its CVSS vector, the flaw can be reached over the network, needs some level of access, and needs no user interaction. The software does not properly prove who a user is.
With a CVSS base score of 8.1, apply the vendor fix and confirm exposure on internet facing and business critical assets first.
Root Cause
The weakness is classified as CWE-287: Improper Authentication. The software does not properly prove who a user is.
Attack Vector
Based on the CVSS vector, the flaw can be reached over the network, needs some level of access, and needs no user interaction. Attack complexity is low complexity.
No exploitation in the wild is confirmed by CISA at the time of the last update. Check the references below for any vendor or researcher proof of concept.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-110279
Detection Strategies
- Inventory every instance of IBM ContextForge MCP Gateway and compare the running version with the affected range above.
- Check external attack surface scans for internet facing instances of the component.
- Run an authenticated vulnerability scan once your scanner ships a check for this CVE.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward IBM ContextForge MCP Gateway application, access and audit logs to your SIEM for retrospective hunting.
- Alert on new processes, configuration changes or outbound connections from the affected service.
- Track the vendor advisory and the CISA KEV catalog for changes in exploitation status.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-110279
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fixed version of IBM ContextForge MCP Gateway named in the vendor advisory.
- Prioritize internet facing and business critical instances first.
- Rescan after the change to confirm the exposure is closed.
Patch Information
Use the fixed version listed in the vendor advisory for IBM ContextForge MCP Gateway.
Workarounds
- If patching must wait, restrict network access to the affected service and place it behind authentication or a web application firewall rule.
CWE References
- CWE-287: Improper Authentication More CVEs with this weakness
Technical References
This entry is built directly from NVD, CISA KEV and EPSS data. Verify fixed versions in the vendor advisory before you deploy.
Frequently asked questions
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