async-http-client vulnerability

The AsyncHttpClient (AHC) library allows Java applications to easily execute HTTP requests and asynchronously process HTTP responses. Prior to 3.0.13 and 2.16.1, Realm.Builder treats a Digest challenge that yields no usable nonce as a Basic challenge. A malicious origin or proxy can label a challenge Digest while omitting or emptying the nonce, causing the client to resend the username and password using reversible Basic authentication. Both origin and proxy challenge parsers are affected. This issue is fixed in versions 3.0.13 and 2.16.1.

Published 7 Oct 2026Updated 10 Oct 20265 sources
CVSS 8.7

What happened

The AsyncHttpClient (AHC) library allows Java applications to easily execute HTTP requests and asynchronously process HTTP responses. Prior to 3.0.13 and 2.16.1, Realm.Builder treats a Digest challenge that yields no usable nonce as a Basic challenge. A malicious origin or proxy can label a challenge Digest while omitting or emptying the nonce, causing the client to resend the username and password using reversible Basic authentication. Both origin and proxy challenge parsers are affected. This issue is fixed in versions 3.0.13 and 2.16.1.

Affected versions

async-http-client: >= 3.0.0.Beta1, < 3.0.13; >= 2.0.0, < 2.16.1 Fixed: See vendor advisory.

Why it matters

Review the vendor advisory and exposure of the affected product to determine operational impact.

Detection & mitigation

  • Apply vendor-provided updates or mitigations.
  • Review affected product exposure and access logs.

Public PoC references

No public PoC reference has passed the current publication threshold.