Strimzi

0.45.2Networking & Messaging

Mar 13, 2026Copy link

Strimzi 0.45.2 is the final patch release for the 0.45.x branch, focusing on critical CVE fixes and Kafka 3.9.2 support while serving as the last version supporting ZooKeeper-based clusters.

• breakingMigrate to KRaft before upgrading beyond 0.45.x

  This is your last chance to run ZooKeeper-based Kafka clusters in Strimzi. Plan your KRaft migration now since Strimzi 0.46+ will only support KRaft mode. Follow the official KRaft migration guide and test thoroughly in non-production first.

• securityApply patch immediately for CVE fixes

  This release addresses multiple high-priority CVEs in ZooKeeper, JWT libraries, and networking components. Upgrade to 0.45.2 immediately to patch these vulnerabilities, especially if you handle sensitive data or run internet-facing services.

• breakingHandle Kafka 3.9.2 annotation issue for future upgrades

  If you're using Kafka 3.9.2, upgrading to Strimzi 0.46-0.51 will require manually updating pod annotations. Save the provided kubectl command for when you upgrade: it updates the Kafka version annotation on pods to prevent operator failures.