C Driver: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Data Query Logic
CVE-2026-88036 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements in data query logic vulnerability in C Driver from MongoDB, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.3 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. The record lists versions 1.30.10, 2.5.3 as the first without the flaw, so updating C Driver to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.27% 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 C Driver to 1.30.10 or 2.5.3, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on jira.mongodb.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| MongoDB | C Driver | 1.14.0 up to, but not including, 1.30.10; 2.0.0 up to, but not including, 2.5.3 | 1.30.10, 2.5.3 |
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
- LowSome restricted data 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:L/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (mongodb.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 6.1 | Medium | CNA (mongodb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.3 | High | CNA (mongodb.com) |
Official description
Improper neutralization of special elements in data query logic in the GridFS component of the MongoDB C Driver can cause a caller-supplied structured file identifier to be interpreted as a query condition rather than as a literal identifier. An authenticated user who can influence the identifier passed by an affected application may obtain stored file content beyond the intended target or cause all GridFS file chunks in the affected bucket to be removed, rendering stored file content unreadable.
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: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Other vulnerabilities in C Driver
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.6 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Data Query Logic vulnerabilities
- 8.3 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
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