ManageIQ: Deserialization of Untrusted Data
CVE-2026-52903 is a high-severity deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability in ManageIQ, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 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 ManageIQ versions: 0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.45% 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 ManageIQ you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| ManageIQ | ManageIQ | 0 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat CloudForms | 0 | Not stated |
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
- 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:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (redhat.com).
Official description
A deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability was found in ManageIQ. The YamlLoadAliases module overrides YAML.safe_load to silently fall back to YAML.unsafe_load in production when a Psych::DisallowedClass error occurs. An authenticated attacker with dialog import access can exploit this to achieve remote code execution by uploading a crafted YAML payload that triggers the fallback and deserializes arbitrary Ruby objects. Red Hat CloudForms, which was based on ManageIQ, has reached End of Life and is no longer supported. No errata or patches will be issued. This CVE is being assigned for the benefit of the ManageIQ community and downstream consumers.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Deserialization of Untrusted Data
The product deserializes untrusted data without sufficiently ensuring that the resulting data will be valid.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If available, use the signing/sealing features of the programming language to assure that deserialized data has not been tainted. For example, a hash-based message authentication code (HMAC) could be used to ensure that data has not been modified.
- When deserializing data, populate a new object rather than just deserializing. The result is that the data flows through safe input validation and that the functions are safe.
- Explicitly define a final object() to prevent deserialization.
More Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerabilities (CWE-502)
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 references
Other vulnerabilities in ManageIQ
- 7.1 High severity
Recent Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerabilities
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
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