SurfSense: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component
CVE-2026-102243 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component vulnerability in SurfSense from MODSetter, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.4 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected SurfSense versions: 2.0.0; 2.0.1; 2.0.2, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.16% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 68% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of SurfSense you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
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
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- LowSome restricted data can be read.
- Integrity
- LowLimited modification of data is possible.
- Availability
- LowPerformance or availability is reduced.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L. Scored by CNA (vuldb.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 2.1 | Low | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.4 | High | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 6.5 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
Official description
A vulnerability was identified in MODSetter SurfSense up to 2.0.3. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file /api/search-source/connectors/mcp/test of the component MCP Connector Integration. Such manipulation leads to command injection. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit is publicly available and might be used. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component
The product constructs all or part of a command, data structure, or record using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify how it is parsed or interpreted when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Programming languages and supporting technologies might be chosen which are not subject to these issues.
- Utilize an appropriate mix of allowlist and denylist parsing to filter control-plane syntax from all input.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in SurfSense
- 7.3 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component vulnerabilities
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.