CVE-2026-116964 in konflux-ci
Summary
by MITRE • 10/31/2026
A flaw was found in konflux-ci. An attacker with repository write access can achieve arbitrary code execution within the Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) workflow environment. By injecting shell commands into environment export scripts, the attacker causes manifest synchronization scripts to dynamically evaluate unvalidated script output. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to compromise CI/CD pipelines, steal sensitive authentication tokens and deployment credentials, and gain unauthorized access to production systems.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2026
The vulnerability identified in konflux-ci represents a critical security flaw within Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) workflows, specifically stemming from improper neutralization of special elements during input processing. This issue is classified under CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command, commonly known as operating system command injection. The root cause lies in the mechanism by which environment variables are exported and subsequently utilized within manifest synchronization scripts. When these scripts dynamically evaluate output from environment exports without adequate sanitization or validation, they create a vector for arbitrary code execution. This architectural weakness allows any actor with repository write access to manipulate the workflow logic by injecting malicious shell commands into the configuration files that define how environments are set up for builds and deployments.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to the integrity of software delivery pipelines. An attacker leveraging this flaw can execute arbitrary code within the context of the CI/CD environment, which typically runs with elevated privileges necessary to build, test, and deploy applications. The immediate impact includes the compromise of sensitive authentication tokens, API keys, and deployment credentials stored as environment variables or secrets within the pipeline configuration. By extracting these assets, an attacker can escalate their access beyond the development repository into production systems. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers use system utilities to execute commands, and potentially T1608 Weaponize Defense Evasion techniques by manipulating build artifacts or pipeline configurations to maintain persistence or evade detection mechanisms that monitor standard execution paths.
The exploitation of this vulnerability does not require external network access or complex privilege escalation exploits against the underlying operating system kernel. Instead, it relies on social engineering or insider threats where an attacker gains legitimate write permissions to a repository and modifies configuration files such as build scripts or environment export definitions. Once these modified configurations are processed by the CI/CD engine, the injected commands are executed automatically during the synchronization phase. This automated execution bypasses many traditional security controls because the actions appear to originate from trusted pipeline processes rather than external malicious actors. The consequence is a complete compromise of the software supply chain, allowing for the insertion of backdoors into deployed applications or the exfiltration of intellectual property and customer data.
Mitigation strategies must focus on strict input validation and principle of least privilege application within CI/CD configurations. Developers should avoid using dynamic evaluation functions that interpret raw string outputs as executable code without rigorous sanitization checks against a whitelist of allowed characters or patterns. Additionally, restricting repository write access to only those personnel who absolutely require it can reduce the attack surface. Implementing automated security scanning tools specifically designed for CI/CD pipeline configuration files can help detect potential injection vectors before they are merged into main branches. Furthermore, isolating build environments and using ephemeral credentials that expire quickly after use can limit the blast radius of any successful exploitation attempt. Regular audits of pipeline configurations and enforcing code review policies that scrutinize changes to environment variables and script logic are essential steps in defending against this class of vulnerability.