melange: Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity
CVE-2026-54174 is a high-severity insufficient verification of data authenticity vulnerability in melange from Chainguard-dev, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.3 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected melange versions: < 0.50.4. 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
- Check which version of melange 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.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chainguard-dev | melange | < 0.50.4 | Not stated |
| Chainguard-dev | apko | < 1.2.9 | 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
- HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- 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:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (github.com).
Official description
melange allows users to build apk packages using declarative pipelines. Apko prior to version 1.2.9, corresponding to melange prior to version 0.50.4, verified the control section hash (`.PKGINFO` etc.) against the signed `APKINDEX`, but never verified the data section hash (the actual package files that get installed). An attacker who could compromise a mirror, poison a cache, or MITM a package fetch could substitute arbitrary file contents while the control hash check still passed. Apko version 1.2.9 and melange version 0.50.4 contain a fix.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity
The product does not sufficiently verify the origin or authenticity of data, in a way that causes it to accept invalid data.
More Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity vulnerabilities (CWE-345)
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 melange
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.4 High severity
Recent Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
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