CVE-2026-54680: CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection') in kube-logging logging-operator
CVE-2026-54680 is a critical vulnerability in the kube-logging logging-operator prior to version 6.6.0. The Fluentd configuration renderer writes certain CRD strings directly into the fluent.conf file without proper escaping. This allows a user with permission to create Flow resources to inject malicious Fluentd <match **> blocks using @type exec, enabling arbitrary command execution within the Fluentd aggregator. The issue is fixed starting from version 6.6.0.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The kube-logging logging-operator's FluentRender component in versions before 6.6.0 improperly neutralizes special elements in output used by downstream components. Specifically, it writes Flow record_transformer.records values directly into the Fluentd configuration file without escaping. This flaw permits an attacker who can create Flow resources to inject a Fluentd <match **> block with @type exec, resulting in arbitrary command execution inside the Fluentd aggregator. This vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2026-54680 with a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.9 (critical). The vulnerability is resolved in version 6.6.0.
Potential Impact
An attacker with the ability to create Flow resources can execute arbitrary commands on the Fluentd aggregator, leading to full compromise of the logging operator environment. This includes potential confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts as indicated by the CVSS vector (C:H/I:H/A:H).
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade the kube-logging logging-operator to version 6.6.0 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. No other official remediation or temporary fixes are documented. Until upgraded, restrict permissions to create Flow resources to trusted users only.
CVE-2026-54680: CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection') in kube-logging logging-operator
Description
CVE-2026-54680 is a critical vulnerability in the kube-logging logging-operator prior to version 6.6.0. The Fluentd configuration renderer writes certain CRD strings directly into the fluent.conf file without proper escaping. This allows a user with permission to create Flow resources to inject malicious Fluentd <match **> blocks using @type exec, enabling arbitrary command execution within the Fluentd aggregator. The issue is fixed starting from version 6.6.0.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.9critical
Affected software
pkg:github/kube-logging/logging-operatorRun 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
The kube-logging logging-operator's FluentRender component in versions before 6.6.0 improperly neutralizes special elements in output used by downstream components. Specifically, it writes Flow record_transformer.records values directly into the Fluentd configuration file without escaping. This flaw permits an attacker who can create Flow resources to inject a Fluentd <match **> block with @type exec, resulting in arbitrary command execution inside the Fluentd aggregator. This vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2026-54680 with a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.9 (critical). The vulnerability is resolved in version 6.6.0.
Potential Impact
An attacker with the ability to create Flow resources can execute arbitrary commands on the Fluentd aggregator, leading to full compromise of the logging operator environment. This includes potential confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts as indicated by the CVSS vector (C:H/I:H/A:H).
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade the kube-logging logging-operator to version 6.6.0 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. No other official remediation or temporary fixes are documented. Until upgraded, restrict permissions to create Flow resources to trusted users only.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- GitHub_M
- Date Reserved
- 2026-06-15T22:53:58.561Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a6a335f9c2644c7f8cc856b
Added to database: 07/29/2026, 17:07:43 UTC
Last enriched: 07/29/2026, 17:23:06 UTC
Last updated: 07/29/2026, 17:23:06 UTC
Views: 5
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