coredns: Incorrect Implementation of Authentication Algorithm
CVE-2026-33190 is a high-severity incorrect implementation of authentication algorithm vulnerability in coredns, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected coredns versions: < 1.14.3. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.37% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of coredns you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
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
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- 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
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 8.7 | High | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
CoreDNS is a DNS server that chains plugins. In versions prior to 1.14.3, the tsig plugin can be bypassed on non-plain-DNS transports (DoT, DoH, DoH3, DoQ, and gRPC) because it trusts the transport writer's TsigStatus() instead of performing verification itself. The DoH and DoH3 writer's TsigStatus() always returns nil, the DoT server does not set TsigSecret on the dns.Server, and the DoQ and gRPC writers also unconditionally return nil. This allows an unauthenticated remote client to bypass TSIG-based authentication and access resources intended to be restricted behind a tsig require all policy. Plain DNS over TCP and UDP are not affected. This issue has been fixed in version 1.14.3.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Incorrect Implementation of Authentication Algorithm
The requirements for the product dictate the use of an established authentication algorithm, but the implementation of the algorithm is incorrect.
More Incorrect Implementation of Authentication Algorithm vulnerabilities (CWE-303)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Patches and release notes
- github.com/coredns/coredns/releases/tag/v1.14.3Release Notes
Other vulnerabilities in coredns
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Incorrect Implementation of Authentication Algorithm vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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