Core: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements Used in a Template Engine
CVE-2026-102142 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a template engine vulnerability in Core from Kiteworks, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.2 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with administrator privileges, without any action from a user. The record lists version 9.5.1 as the first without the flaw, so updating Core to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.2% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 69% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Core to 9.5.1 or a later version.
- Update Kiteworks to 9.5.1 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiteworks | Core | before 9.5.1 | 9.5.1 |
| Accellion | Kiteworks | before 9.5.1 | 9.5.1 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- HighAdministrator-level access is required first.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA.
Official description
A system notification template on the Kiteworks appliance was rendered by a template engine that evaluated expressions contained in the stored template body. An authenticated System Administrator could potentially store a crafted template that executed operating-system commands on the appliance when the notification was next sent.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements Used in a Template Engine
The product uses a template engine to insert or process externally-influenced input, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements or syntax that can be interpreted as template expressions or other code directives when processed by the engine.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Choose a template engine that offers a sandbox or restricted mode, or at least limits the power of any available expressions, function calls, or commands.
- Use the template engine's sandbox or restricted mode, if available.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in Core
- 9.3 Critical severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements Used in a Template Engine vulnerabilities
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 7.6 High severity
- 8.0 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.