CVE-2026-18571: Keycloak-services: keycloak-services: fgap v2 group assignment bypass during user creation
A Broken Access Control vulnerability was identified in Keycloaks Fine-Grained Admin Permissions V2 (FGAP V2) implementation. The flaw exists in the POST /admin/realms/{realm}/users endpoint, where the server fails to validate group membership permissions within the user creation payload. While Keycloak correctly enforces manage-membership scopes for existing users, it misses this check during the initial user creation process. A sub-administrator with user create scope but restricted group manage-membership scope can successfully assign a new user to unauthorized groups by including them in the creation request. Concrete impact: An attacker with sub-admin privileges can elevate the permissions of new users, grant them access to restricted data by placing them in sensitive groups, and bypass the security boundaries established by FGAP V2.
Other sources
A flaw was found in the user creation component of Keycloak when Fine-Grained Admin Permissions V2 (FGAP V2) is enabled. This issue allows a sub-administrator with permission to create users to add those users to any group, even groups the sub-administrator is not authorized to manage. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or elevated privileges for the newly created users.
— MITRE
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Configuration
Disable FGAP V2 in Keycloak to avoid the group membership permission check bypass in user creation (vulnerability affects POST /admin/realms/{realm}/users when FGAP V2 is enabled).
Keycloak Fine-Grained Admin Permissions V2 (FGAP V2) Fine-Grained Admin Permissions V2 (FGAP V2) enabled = disabled - Compensating control
As a compensating control, restrict who can call POST /admin/realms/{realm}/users (user creation) so that sub-administrators with user-create scope cannot assign users to unauthorized groups. For example, limit access to that endpoint to fully trusted admin roles.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-18571?
The severity of CVE-2026-18571 is medium with a score of 6.6.
How do I fix CVE-2026-18571?
To fix CVE-2026-18571, ensure that access control validation for group membership is implemented correctly during the user creation process.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-18571?
CVE-2026-18571 is a Broken Access Control vulnerability.
Which software is affected by CVE-2026-18571?
CVE-2026-18571 affects Keycloak services, specifically the Fine-Grained Admin Permissions V2 (FGAP V2) implementation.
What is the impact of exploiting CVE-2026-18571?
Exploiting CVE-2026-18571 could allow unauthorized group assignments during user creation, leading to potential privilege escalation.