CVE-2026-13016 in AI Platform
Summary
by MITRE • 09/24/2026
ServiceNow has remediated a SQL injection vulnerability that was identified in the ServiceNow AI Platform. This vulnerability could enable an unauthenticated user, in certain circumstances, to execute arbitrary SQL statements against the instance's underlying database and gain access to, or modify, instance data beyond what was intended.
ServiceNow deployed a security update to hosted instances and ServiceNow provided the update to our partners and self-hosted customers. We are not currently aware of malicious exploitation against ServiceNow instances. We recommend customers promptly apply appropriate updates or upgrade to a patched release if they have not already done so.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2026
A critical SQL injection vulnerability was identified within the ServiceNow AI Platform, representing a significant security flaw that allows for unauthorized database interactions. This weakness stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of user-supplied input before it is incorporated into dynamic SQL queries executed by the application backend. The architectural design failure permits an attacker to manipulate these inputs in ways that alter the intended logic of the database commands, effectively bypassing standard authentication mechanisms under specific conditions. As a result, an unauthenticated actor can execute arbitrary Structured Query Language statements directly against the underlying relational database management system hosting the ServiceNow instance data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for full database compromise. By exploiting this flaw, malicious actors could read sensitive information stored in the database, including personally identifiable information, corporate secrets, and configuration details that are not meant to be exposed. Furthermore, the ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands extends beyond data exfiltration; it allows for the modification or deletion of critical instance records, potentially disrupting business operations and integrity of service delivery. This level of access effectively grants the attacker administrative control over the database layer, which serves as the foundation for all platform functionalities, thereby undermining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability pillars of information security.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, commonly known as SQL Injection. In terms of offensive cybersecurity frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK, this exploit maps to techniques involving Database Credential Access or Data from Information Repositories, specifically leveraging indirect command execution through the application layer rather than direct network-level attacks. The presence of unauthenticated access vectors indicates a failure in input validation controls at the entry points of the AI Platform interface, highlighting gaps in defense-in-depth strategies that typically rely on multiple layers to mitigate such risks.
ServiceNow has addressed this issue by deploying security updates to hosted instances and distributing patches to partners and self-hosted customers who manage their own infrastructure environments. The vendor reports no current evidence of malicious exploitation in the wild, suggesting either limited discovery or effective monitoring preventing widespread abuse at this stage. However, given the high severity associated with SQL injection vulnerabilities that allow unauthenticated access, immediate remediation is strongly advised. Organizations utilizing ServiceNow should verify their patch levels and apply the latest security updates to ensure the vulnerability is neutralized before it can be leveraged by threat actors seeking to compromise sensitive enterprise data or disrupt service continuity through database manipulation.