CVE-2026-18635: CWE-863 in Rapid7 Velociraptor
Velociraptor's VQL has a query() plugin which allows running a VQL query in a different org or user context. To be able to run as a different user, the calling user needs to have the IMPERSONATE permission (usually only given to administrators). Velociraptor versions prior to 0.77.2 evaluate this permission against the caller's org instead of against the target org. This allows an administrator in one org to impersonate another user in another org, in which they may not have the IMPERSONATE permission.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
Velociraptor's VQL query() plugin enables running queries in different organizational or user contexts, requiring the caller to have the IMPERSONATE permission. Versions before 0.77.2 incorrectly check this permission against the caller's organization rather than the target organization, allowing cross-org impersonation by administrators who should not have this capability in the target org.
Potential Impact
An administrator in one organization can impersonate users in other organizations where they do not have the IMPERSONATE permission. This can lead to unauthorized access and potentially full control over resources or data in the target organization, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict administrative privileges carefully and monitor for suspicious impersonation activities.
CVE-2026-18635: CWE-863 in Rapid7 Velociraptor
Description
Velociraptor's VQL has a query() plugin which allows running a VQL query in a different org or user context. To be able to run as a different user, the calling user needs to have the IMPERSONATE permission (usually only given to administrators). Velociraptor versions prior to 0.77.2 evaluate this permission against the caller's org instead of against the target org. This allows an administrator in one org to impersonate another user in another org, in which they may not have the IMPERSONATE permission.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.2high
Affected software
Run on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
Velociraptor's VQL query() plugin enables running queries in different organizational or user contexts, requiring the caller to have the IMPERSONATE permission. Versions before 0.77.2 incorrectly check this permission against the caller's organization rather than the target organization, allowing cross-org impersonation by administrators who should not have this capability in the target org.
Potential Impact
An administrator in one organization can impersonate users in other organizations where they do not have the IMPERSONATE permission. This can lead to unauthorized access and potentially full control over resources or data in the target organization, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict administrative privileges carefully and monitor for suspicious impersonation activities.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- rapid7
- Date Reserved
- 2026-08-03T10:21:23.981Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a7b34afbf8831d539e2a61b
Added to database: 08/11/2026, 14:41:51 UTC
Last enriched: 08/11/2026, 15:13:24 UTC
Last updated: 09/07/2026, 10:52:07 UTC
Views: 41
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.