CVE-2012-4418 — axis2
CVE-2012-4418 is a Improper Authentication vulnerability in org.apache.axis2:axis2. 1 public exploit or proof-of-concept reference is indexed, so weaponization risk is real. A fix is available for org.apache.axis2:axis2 — see the affected versions and patch details below.
Apache Axis2 Vulnerable to XML Signature wrapping attack
EPSS Exploitation Probability
Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days, from FIRST.org EPSS.
Real-World Exposure
org.apache.axis2:axis2Real-time download stats are indexed for npm and PyPI packages. This vulnerability affects Maven packages — download data is not available via public APIs for these ecosystems.
Description
Apache Axis2 allows remote attackers to forge messages and bypass authentication via an "XML Signature wrapping attack."
Affected Packages
| Ecosystem | Package | Vulnerable range | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☕Maven | org.apache.axis2:axis2 | all versions | 1.7.9org.apache.axis2:axis2:1.7.9 |
Affected Products
axis2apacheResearch use only. For defensive security, authorized penetration testing, and academic research only. Never execute exploit code against systems without explicit written authorization.
Detection & mitigation playbook
Open-source dependencyDetect
Scan your dependency tree (package-lock.json, pnpm-lock.yaml, requirements.txt, go.sum, etc.) for org.apache.axis2:axis2, including transitive dependencies — a direct dependency you never call can still pull in a vulnerable version.
Fix
Update org.apache.axis2:axis2 to 1.7.9 or later, then make sure no transitive (indirect) dependency still pins the vulnerable range — O3 confirms CVE-2012-4418 is resolved across your whole dependency graph.
Workarounds
Put an independent control in front of the weakness: restrict the affected endpoint or interface to trusted networks, require an additional authentication factor or proxy-level check, and invalidate existing sessions and credentials in case the flaw has already been used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2012-4418 in your dependencies?
Find it across Maven, including transitive dependencies.