CVE-2026-53870: Incorrect Default Permissions in NousResearch hermes-agent
Hermes Agent versions prior to 0.16.0 create certain database and configuration files with world-readable permissions. This misconfiguration exposes sensitive data such as conversation history, tool payloads, prompts, and HMAC secrets to any local user with filesystem access. The vulnerability allows local attackers to read these files directly, potentially compromising confidentiality. The issue is classified as medium severity with a CVSS score of 6.8. No official patch or remediation guidance is currently provided by the vendor.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-53870 describes a vulnerability in NousResearch's hermes-agent where versions before 0.16.0 set insecure default file permissions (mode 0o644) on response_store.db and webhook_subscriptions.json. These files contain sensitive information including conversation history and per-route HMAC secrets. Because the files are world-readable, any local user on the system can access this data without elevated privileges. The vulnerability has a CVSS 4.0 score of 6.8, indicating a medium severity local information disclosure risk. No vendor advisory or patch information is currently available.
Potential Impact
Local users with access to the filesystem can read sensitive files containing conversation history, tool payloads, prompts, and HMAC secrets. This exposure can lead to unauthorized disclosure of confidential information and compromise the integrity of communications handled by the hermes-agent. There is no indication of remote exploitation or privilege escalation in the provided data.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict local filesystem access to trusted users only and consider manually adjusting file permissions to limit readability of response_store.db and webhook_subscriptions.json.
CVE-2026-53870: Incorrect Default Permissions in NousResearch hermes-agent
Description
Hermes Agent versions prior to 0.16.0 create certain database and configuration files with world-readable permissions. This misconfiguration exposes sensitive data such as conversation history, tool payloads, prompts, and HMAC secrets to any local user with filesystem access. The vulnerability allows local attackers to read these files directly, potentially compromising confidentiality. The issue is classified as medium severity with a CVSS score of 6.8. No official patch or remediation guidance is currently provided by the vendor.
CVSS v4.0
Score 6.8medium
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
CVE-2026-53870 describes a vulnerability in NousResearch's hermes-agent where versions before 0.16.0 set insecure default file permissions (mode 0o644) on response_store.db and webhook_subscriptions.json. These files contain sensitive information including conversation history and per-route HMAC secrets. Because the files are world-readable, any local user on the system can access this data without elevated privileges. The vulnerability has a CVSS 4.0 score of 6.8, indicating a medium severity local information disclosure risk. No vendor advisory or patch information is currently available.
Potential Impact
Local users with access to the filesystem can read sensitive files containing conversation history, tool payloads, prompts, and HMAC secrets. This exposure can lead to unauthorized disclosure of confidential information and compromise the integrity of communications handled by the hermes-agent. There is no indication of remote exploitation or privilege escalation in the provided data.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict local filesystem access to trusted users only and consider manually adjusting file permissions to limit readability of response_store.db and webhook_subscriptions.json.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- VulnCheck
- Date Reserved
- 2026-06-10T21:23:54.283Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a32e8dcf198dc38c1e3988c
Added to database: 06/17/2026, 18:35:08 UTC
Last enriched: 06/24/2026, 19:56:36 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:22:59 UTC
Views: 94
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.