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CVE-2023-46214VulnerabilityPublished Updated

CVE-2023-46214: Splunk Enterprise · The software does not properly neutralize special elements that are used in XML, allowing attackers to modify the syntax, content, or commands of the XML before it is processed by an end system.

Affects Splunk EnterpriseSource CVE Database V5

0

Not known to be exploited · public exploit available (Metasploit) · 89% EPSS · CVSS 8.0 High · fixed in 9.0.7 : patch Splunk Enterprise as a priority.

Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 06:26 UTC

CVSS 3.1 base score
8.0High
How severe the flaw is on the 0–10 CVSS scale.
EPSS
89.1% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 99% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
Patch
Available – fixed in 9.0.7
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Exploitation evidence

  1. Disclosed: evidence found.

    CVE published 16 Nov 2023

  2. Detectable: no evidence on record.

    No public nuclei template indexed

  3. Weaponised: evidence found.

    1 Metasploit module

  4. Exploited in the wild: no evidence on record.

    Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation

  5. Observed by OffSeq Mirage: no evidence on record.

    No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors

A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 2026-10-26.

What to do

Affected software

ProductAffectedFixed in
Splunk Splunk EnterpriseAffected
  • =9.0
  • =9.1
Fixed in–

AI-suggested

1. Immediately upgrade all Splunk Enterprise instances to version 9.0.7, 9.1.2, or later where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Restrict permissions for uploading or modifying XSLT files to trusted administrators only, minimizing the attack surface. 3. Implement strict input validation and monitoring for unusual XSLT upload activities or XML processing anomalies. 4. Employ network segmentation to isolate Splunk servers from less trusted network zones. 5. Monitor Splunk logs and system behavior for signs of exploitation attempts or unexpected code execution. 6. Use application whitelisting and endpoint protection on Splunk servers to detect and block unauthorized processes. 7. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on XML and XSLT handling within Splunk environments. 8. Educate administrators about the risks of uploading untrusted XSLT content and enforce policies accordingly.

Description

CVE-2023-46214 is a high-severity vulnerability in Splunk Enterprise versions prior to 9.0.7 and 9.1.2, where improper sanitization of user-supplied XSLT allows attackers to execute remote code. The flaw arises from the software's failure to neutralize special XML elements, enabling malicious modification of XML syntax or commands. Exploitation requires low privileges and user interaction, with a high attack complexity. Successful attacks can compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected Splunk instance. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. European organizations using vulnerable Splunk versions, especially in critical infrastructure and large enterprises, face significant risk.

References

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