giskard-oss: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements Used in a Template Engine
CVE-2026-40320 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a template engine vulnerability in giskard-oss from Giskard-AI, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected giskard-oss versions: < 1.0.2b1. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.15% 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
- Update Giskard to 1.0.2 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giskard-AI | giskard-oss | < 1.0.2b1 | Not stated |
| Giskard | Giskard | before 1.0.2 | 1.0.2 |
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
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- 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:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 5.4 | Medium | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
Giskard is an open-source testing framework for AI models. In versions prior to 1.0.2b1, the ConformityCheck class rendered the rule parameter through Jinja2's default Template() constructor, silently interpreting template expressions at runtime. If check definitions are loaded from an untrusted source, a crafted rule string could achieve arbitrary code execution. Exploitation requires write access to a check definition and subsequent execution of the test suite. This issue has been fixed in giskard-checks version 1.0.2b1.
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
Patches and release notes
Other vulnerabilities in giskard-oss
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements Used in a Template Engine vulnerabilities
- 7.2 High severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 9.6 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 8.5 High severity
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