CVE-2026-44894: Netty's Default QUIC token handler accepts any client-supplied token
Netty is a network application framework for development of protocol servers and clients. NoQuicTokenHandler is the tokenHandler used when the application does not set one. Prior to version 4.2.15.Final, its writeToken() returns false (server will not send Retry — acceptable), but validateToken() unconditionally return 0. In QuicheQuicServerCodec.handlePacket(), a non-negative return from validateToken() is interpreted as 'token is valid, ODCID starts at offset 0', causing the server to call quicheaccept as if the client's address had been validated by a Retry round-trip. Per RFC 9000 §8.1, a validated address lifts the 3× anti-amplification send limit. Thus any attacker who includes ANY non-empty token bytes in an Initial packet — with a spoofed victim source IP — causes the Netty server to treat the victim as validated and reflect full-size handshake flights (certificates, etc.) toward it without the 3× cap. The correct 'no token handler' semantics would be to return -1 (invalid) so the normal un-validated path and amplification limit apply. Version 4.2.15.Final patches the issue.
Other sources
NoQuicTokenHandler is the tokenHandler used when the application does not set one. Its writeToken() returns false (server will not send Retry — acceptable), but validateToken() unconditionally return 0. In QuicheQuicServerCodec.handlePacket(), a non-negative return from validateToken() is interpreted as 'token is valid, ODCID starts at offset 0', causing the server to call quicheaccept as if the client's address had been validated by a Retry round-trip. Per RFC 9000 §8.1, a validated address lifts the 3× anti-amplification send limit. Thus any attacker who includes ANY non-empty token bytes in an Initial packet — with a spoofed victim source IP — causes the Netty server to treat the victim as validated and reflect full-size handshake flights (certificates, etc.) toward it without the 3× cap. The correct 'no token handler' semantics would be to return -1 (invalid) so the normal un-validated path and amplification limit apply.
— GitHub
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
maven/io.netty:netty-codec-classes-quicto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 4.2.15.Final - Upgrade
Upgrade
Nettyto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 4.2.15.Final
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-44894?
CVE-2026-44894 has a severity rating of high, with a score of 7.5.
What vulnerabilities are posed by CVE-2026-44894?
CVE-2026-44894 could allow for unauthorized access due to improper validation in token handling.
How do I fix CVE-2026-44894?
To fix CVE-2026-44894, update to the latest version of the Netty library that includes a patch for this vulnerability.
Which versions of netty are affected by CVE-2026-44894?
CVE-2026-44894 affects versions of the Netty library prior to the patch included in netty-4.2.15.Final.
Is CVE-2026-44894 exploitable remotely?
Yes, CVE-2026-44894 is exploitable remotely as it involves network-based token handling vulnerability.