CVE-2026-22730 in Spring AI
Summary
by MITRE • 03/18/2026
A critical SQL injection vulnerability in Spring AI's MariaDBFilterExpressionConverter allows attackers to bypass metadata-based access controls and execute arbitrary SQL commands.
The vulnerability exists due to missing input sanitization.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2026
The critical SQL injection vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-22730 resides within Spring AI's MariaDBFilterExpressionConverter component, representing a severe weakness that undermines fundamental database security controls. This vulnerability specifically targets the metadata-based access control mechanisms that are essential for protecting sensitive data within database environments. The flaw manifests when the system fails to properly sanitize user inputs before incorporating them into SQL query structures, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database operations through crafted payloads. The vulnerability's classification as critical stems from its ability to bypass existing security controls that are typically enforced at the metadata level, allowing unauthorized access to protected database resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic SQL injection vector where the MariaDBFilterExpressionConverter does not adequately validate or escape input parameters before their inclusion in database queries. This omission creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject malicious SQL commands that can be executed within the database context. The flaw operates at the application layer where user-supplied filter expressions are processed, transforming legitimate input into potentially destructive database operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the conversion process of filter expressions into MariaDB-compatible SQL syntax, where the lack of proper input sanitization allows attackers to append or modify SQL commands through carefully crafted filter parameters. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege and input validation that should be enforced at every layer of database interaction.
The operational impact of CVE-2026-22730 extends beyond simple data access violations, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands with the privileges of the database user account. This capability allows for complete database enumeration, data exfiltration, modification of sensitive records, and potential lateral movement within the database infrastructure. The bypass of metadata-based access controls means that attackers can circumvent the normally enforced security boundaries that protect specific database objects, schemas, or tables. This vulnerability can result in significant data breaches, compliance violations, and system compromise that may affect multiple applications relying on the affected Spring AI components. Organizations utilizing this technology face potential exposure to unauthorized data access, system integrity compromise, and regulatory penalties due to the severity of the vulnerability.
Security mitigations for CVE-2026-22730 must address the root cause of insufficient input sanitization while maintaining application functionality. Immediate remediation efforts should focus on implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements throughout the MariaDBFilterExpressionConverter component to prevent user input from being interpreted as executable SQL code. Organizations should also deploy input validation mechanisms that enforce strict type checking and character set restrictions on filter expression parameters. The implementation of web application firewalls and database activity monitoring systems can provide additional layers of protection by detecting and blocking suspicious SQL injection patterns. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 SQL Injection, while the ATT&CK framework would categorize this as a technique for SQL Injection under the command and control phase. Regular security testing and code reviews should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles, ensuring that all database interaction points properly validate and sanitize inputs. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input handling mechanisms within enterprise applications that interact with database systems.