Splunk Enterprise: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Data Query Logic
CVE-2026-76254 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements in data query logic vulnerability in Splunk Enterprise from Splunk, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 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. The record lists versions 10.4.2, 10.2.6, 10.0.9 as the first without the flaw, so updating Splunk Enterprise to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.42% 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 Splunk Enterprise to 10.4.2 or 10.2.6 or 10.0.9 or 9.4.14, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Update Splunk to 9.3.14 or 9.4.14 or 10.0.9 or 10.2.6, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on advisory.splunk.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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Splunk | Splunk Enterprise | 10.4 up to, but not including, 10.4.2; 10.2 up to, but not including, 10.2.6; 10.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.9; 9.4 up to, but not including, 9.4.14; 9.3 up to, but not including, 9.3.14 | 10.4.2, 10.2.6, 10.0.9, 9.4.14, 9.3.14 |
| Splunk | Splunk | 9.3.0 up to, but not including, 9.3.14; 9.4.0 up to, but not including, 9.4.14; 10.0.0 up to, but not including, 10.0.9; 10.2.0 up to, but not including, 10.2.6; 10.4.0 up to, but not including, 10.4.2 | 9.3.14, 9.4.14, 10.0.9, 10.2.6, 10.4.2 |
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
- 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
- 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:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | CNA (cisco.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
In Splunk Enterprise versions below 10.4.2, 10.2.6, 10.0.9, 9.4.14, and 9.3.14, an unauthenticated user could cause another user to dispatch arbitrary Search Processing Language (SPL) pipelines from Dataset Explorer with the same privileges as that user, which can allow for access to all relevant data and system integrity available to that user and affect system availability. The vulnerability is possible because Dataset Explorer does not validate or escape dataset names before building SPL searches and does not apply SPL safeguards for risky commands to those searches. The vulnerability requires the attacker to phish the user by tricking them into opening the crafted link. The unauthenticated user should not be able to exploit the vulnerability at will. For more information see Explore a dataset (https://help.splunk.com/en/splunk-enterprise/manage-knowledge-objects/knowledge-management-manual/10.4/manage-and-explore-datasets/explore-a-dataset) and SPL safeguards for risky commands (https://help.splunk.com/en/splunk-enterprise/administer/manage-users-and-security/10.4/best-practices-for-splunk-platform-security/spl-safeguards-for-risky-commands) in the Splunk documentation.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Data Query Logic
The product generates a query intended to access or manipulate data in a data store such as a database, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that can modify the intended logic of the query.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Data Query Logic vulnerabilities (CWE-943)
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 Splunk Enterprise
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Data Query Logic vulnerabilities
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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