CVE-2026-83497
Description
A flaw was found in the OpenSearch SQL plugin. A remote authenticated user with basic read/search permissions can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted cursor parameter to the plugins/sql endpoint. This unrestricted deserialization of untrusted data allows the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the server, leading to a complete compromise of the system.
Statement
This vulnerability is rated as Important severity because an authenticated user with low-level read permissions can achieve arbitrary remote code execution on the server host, compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. While the blast radius includes full execution rights under the OpenSearch process context, the requirement for valid search credentials prevents unauthenticated network exploitation, keeping the flaw below Critical severity. Deployments where access to the search endpoints is restricted or isolated to trusted administrative roles face a reduced risk profile.
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Integrity
Technical Impact: Modify Application Data; Unexpected State
Attackers can modify unexpected objects or data that was assumed to be safe from modification. Deserialized data or code could be modified without using the provided accessor functions, or unexpected functions could be invoked.
Availability
Technical Impact: DoS: Resource Consumption (CPU)
If a function is making an assumption on when to terminate, based on a sentry in a string, it could easily never terminate.
Other
Technical Impact: Varies by Context
The consequences can vary widely, because it depends on which objects or methods are being deserialized, and how they are used. Making an assumption that the code in the deserialized object is valid is dangerous and can enable exploitation. One example is attackers using gadget chains to perform unauthorized actions, such as generating a shell.
Frequently Asked Questions
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