CVE-2026-47205: Envoy: ext_authz Use-After-Free during Stream Teardown with Per-Route Overrides
Envoy is an open source edge and service proxy designed for cloud-native applications. From 1.36.0 until 1.36.9, 1.37.5, and 1.38.3, a Use-After-Free (UAF) vulnerability leading to a sudden segmentation fault exists in Envoy's extauthz HTTP filter when processing per-route authorization overrides concurrently with rapid downstream client disconnects. During standard request lifecycles, Envoy instantiates the extauthz filter with a foundational authorization client object (client). If a matched route dictates a dynamic per-route HTTP or gRPC authorization service override, the filter generates a localized client. In the vulnerable implementation, this transient client aggressively overwrote the default client unique pointer by executing client = std::move(perrouteclient). When a client rapidly establishes and subsequently tears down a stream (such as rapidly refreshing a protected WebSocket endpoint), the downstream triggers the ConnectionManagerImpl::doDeferredStreamDestroy() -> ActiveStream::onResetStream() lifecycle. Envoy immediately sequences Filter::onDestroy() in an attempt to securely abort dispatched asynchronous authorization check transactions via client->cancel(). By destructing the default client abruptly during initiateCall, a memory lifecycle misalignment occurs within the async client manager. The stream teardown fails to reliably track and cancel the dynamically bound asynchronous authorization tasks, orchestrating a sequence where a late asynchronous callback from the network evaluates against a heavily destroyed ActiveStream validation span, generating a UAF process crash. This vulnerability is fixed in 1.36.9, 1.37.5, and 1.38.3.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
Envoy ext_authz HTTP filterto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 1.36.9 - Upgrade
Upgrade
Envoy ext_authz HTTP filterto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 1.37.5 - Upgrade
Upgrade
Envoy ext_authz HTTP filterto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 1.38.3
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-47205?
CVE-2026-47205 has a medium severity score of 5.9.
What type of vulnerability is identified in CVE-2026-47205?
CVE-2026-47205 is a Use-After-Free vulnerability.
How do I fix CVE-2026-47205?
To fix CVE-2026-47205, upgrade to Envoy versions 1.36.10, 1.37.6, or 1.38.4 or later.
What impact does CVE-2026-47205 have on Envoy?
CVE-2026-47205 can lead to a segmentation fault during stream teardown, potentially causing service disruptions.
Is CVE-2026-47205 related to specific Envoy versions?
Yes, CVE-2026-47205 affects Envoy versions 1.36.0 to 1.36.9, 1.37.5, and 1.38.3.