Sources: National Vulnerability Database, CVE.org, CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS
CVE-2026-96453 Overview
A flaw was found in the Keycloak Admin CLI kcadm tool, which is used by administrators to manage Keycloak servers from the command line. When a custom truststore is provided to verify the server identity, the tool incorrectly accepts any self-signed certificate as long as the hostname matches. This allows a network attacker to impersonate the Keycloak server, steal administrative credentials, and perform unauthorized management actions.
Critical Impact
Affected Products
- Keycloak Admin CLI kcadm tool: see the vendor advisory for the exact affected versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-11-05: CVE-2026-96453 published to the National Vulnerability Database by secalert@redhat.com
- 2026-11-05: last updated in the NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-96453
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-96453 is a Security Vulnerability weakness (CWE-295) in Keycloak Admin CLI kcadm tool. Based on its CVSS vector, the flaw can be reached over the network, needs no login, and relies on a user taking an action.
With a CVSS base score of 8, apply the vendor fix and confirm exposure on internet facing and business critical assets first.
Root Cause
The vendor description states: A flaw was found in the Keycloak Admin CLI kcadm tool, which is used by administrators to manage Keycloak servers from the command line. When a custom truststore is provided to verify the server identity, the tool incorrectly accepts any self-signed certificate as long as the hostname matches. This allows a network attacker to impersonate the Keycloak server, steal administrative credentials, and perform unauthorized management actions.
Attack Vector
Based on the CVSS vector, the flaw can be reached over the network, needs no login, and relies on a user taking an action. Attack complexity is high 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:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:N
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-96453
Detection Strategies
- Inventory every instance of Keycloak Admin CLI kcadm tool 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 Keycloak Admin CLI kcadm tool 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-2026-96453
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fixed version of Keycloak Admin CLI kcadm tool 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 Keycloak Admin CLI kcadm tool.
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
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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