Apache CloudStack: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
CVE-2026-61400 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in Apache CloudStack from Apache, 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 Apache CloudStack versions: 4.14.0.0 through 4.20.3.0; 4.21.0.0 through 4.22.1.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 2.91% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 87% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Cloudstack to 4.20.3.1 or 4.22.1.1, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on lists.apache.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apache | Apache CloudStack | 4.14.0.0 through 4.20.3.0; 4.21.0.0 through 4.22.1.0 | Not stated |
| Apache | Cloudstack | 4.20.0.0 up to, but not including, 4.20.3.1; 4.21.0.0 up to, but not including, 4.22.1.1 | 4.20.3.1, 4.22.1.1 |
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 CISA (ADP).
Official description
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection') vulnerability in Apache CloudStack's run and get diagnostics functionality for the system VMs and virtual routers. An authenticated user holding the permissions required to invoke either `getDiagnosticsData` or `runDiagnostics` can achieve arbitrary command execution on the system VM and/or Virtual Router instances, with commands running as root (or as the diagnostics-process user, at minimum). This represents a full compromise of the affected instance and, depending on network segmentation, may provide a foothold for lateral movement within the CloudStack-managed infrastructure, including access to guest network traffic handled by the compromised Virtual Router. The getDiagnosticsData and runDiagnostics APIs are restricted to only Admin role accounts by default. This issue affects Apache CloudStack: from 4.20.0.0 through 4.20.3.0 and from 4.21.0.0 through 4.22.1.0. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 4.20.3.1 or 4.22.1.1 or later, which fixes the issue.
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 Command
The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
- If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
- Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)
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
Advisories
Other vulnerabilities in Apache CloudStack
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
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