CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2026-6987NVD status: Analyzed

PicoClaw: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component

CVE-2026-6987 is a critical-severity improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component vulnerability in PicoClaw, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected PicoClaw versions: 0.2.0; 0.2.1; 0.2.2, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 3.44% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 89% of scored CVEs.

Patch this week

Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.

What to do

  1. Check which version of PicoClaw you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  3. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
PicoClawPicoClaw0.2.0; 0.2.1; 0.2.2; 0.2.3; 0.2.4Not 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
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
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:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 4.05.5MediumCNA (vuldb.com)
CVSS 3.17.3HighCNA (vuldb.com)
CVSS 3.19.8CriticalNVD
CVSS 2.07.5HighCNA (vuldb.com)

Official description

A vulnerability was detected in PicoClaw up to 0.2.4. Impacted is an unknown function of the file /api/gateway/restart of the component Web Launcher Management Plane. Performing a manipulation results in command injection. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The project was informed of the problem early through an issue report but has not responded yet.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component

The product constructs all or part of a command, data structure, or record using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify how it is parsed or interpreted when it is sent to a downstream component.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Programming languages and supporting technologies might be chosen which are not subject to these issues.
  • Utilize an appropriate mix of allowlist and denylist parsing to filter control-plane syntax from all input.

More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component vulnerabilities (CWE-74)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Advisories

Third-party and government advisories

Other references

Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component vulnerabilities

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