openEQUELLA: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements Used in a Template Engine
CVE-2026-94109 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a template engine vulnerability in openEQUELLA, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.0 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 2026.1.0 as the first without the flaw, so updating openEQUELLA to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.78% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 56% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update openEQUELLA to 2026.1.0 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Openequella | openEQUELLA | before 2026.1.0 | 2026.1.0 |
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
- 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:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (vulncheck.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 8.6 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.0 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
Official description
openEQUELLA before 2026.1.0 contains an authenticated stored server-side template injection vulnerability in FreemarkerPortletRenderer.renderHtml() that allows any authenticated non-guest user to achieve remote code execution by storing a malicious FreeMarker payload through a POST request to the RemotePortletService invoker endpoint. The markup field from stored portlet configuration is passed directly to custFactory.createResult() without a TemplateClassResolver restriction or FreeMarker sandboxing in BasicConfiguration, leaving built-ins such as ?new and freemarker.template.utility.Execute available, causing the payload to execute in the application server process context when any user renders a dashboard containing the affected portlet.
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 Template Engine
The product uses a template engine to insert or process externally-influenced input, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements or syntax that can be interpreted as template expressions or other code directives when processed by the engine.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Choose a template engine that offers a sandbox or restricted mode, or at least limits the power of any available expressions, function calls, or commands.
- Use the template engine's sandbox or restricted mode, if available.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Other references
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements Used in a Template Engine vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
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