CVE-2026-14852 in Checkmk
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
Privilege escalation in Checkmk versions 2.5.0 before 2.5.0p9, 2.4.0 before 2.4.0p34, 2.3.0 before 2.3.0p49, and 2.2.0 (EOL) allows a local unprivileged user to execute arbitrary commands as root by starting a process crafted to look like a SAP HANA instance. Without an explicit database configuration, the mk_sap_hana agent plugin derives instance identifiers from the process list and uses them to build a command executed with elevated privileges (requires the plugin to run as root with RUNAS=agent).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2026
This privilege escalation vulnerability exists in Checkmk monitoring software across multiple versions where local unprivileged users can execute arbitrary commands as root through manipulation of the mk_sap_hana agent plugin. The flaw stems from improper validation of process identifiers when the plugin operates with elevated privileges, specifically when RUNAS=agent is configured. The vulnerability occurs because the system automatically derives instance identifiers from running processes without proper sanitization or verification of their legitimacy. When a malicious user starts a crafted process that mimics a legitimate SAP HANA instance, the plugin incorrectly interprets this fake identifier and constructs a command string that gets executed with root privileges.
The technical implementation leverages CWE-78 improper input validation, where user-controllable data is directly incorporated into system commands without adequate sanitization. This creates a classic command injection scenario within a privileged execution context. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation techniques using legitimate system tools, specifically T1068 and T1548. The vulnerability requires the mk_sap_hana plugin to be configured with RUNAS=agent which allows it to execute commands as root, making the system susceptible when the plugin is enabled but lacks explicit database configuration.
The operational impact is severe as attackers can gain full system control without requiring any authentication or network access. Once exploited, the malicious user can perform any action available to the root account including modifying system files, installing backdoors, exfiltrating sensitive data, or disabling security controls. The vulnerability affects organizations using Checkmk for infrastructure monitoring where SAP HANA monitoring is enabled but not properly configured with explicit database settings. This creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the affected versions are patched or the plugin is properly configured to prevent automatic instance detection.
Mitigation strategies include upgrading to patched versions of Checkmk, specifically version 2.5.0p9, 2.4.0p34, and 2.3.0p49, or applying the relevant security patches provided by the vendor. Organizations should also explicitly configure database settings for the mk_sap_hana plugin to prevent automatic instance identifier derivation from process lists. Disabling the plugin when not actively needed, implementing proper access controls to limit local user privileges, and monitoring for unusual process creation patterns can further reduce the risk. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their monitoring infrastructure and ensure that privileged execution contexts are properly audited and restricted to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components.