CVE-2026-2302 in Ruby Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 02/10/2026
Under specific conditions when processing a maliciously crafted value of type Hash r, Mongoid::Criteria.from_hash may allow for executing arbitrary Ruby code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2026
CVE-2026-2302 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability within the Mongoid Ruby gem that affects applications leveraging MongoDB as their data store. This vulnerability resides in the Mongoid::Criteria.from_hash method which is responsible for converting hash-based query parameters into executable database queries. The flaw occurs when the method processes maliciously crafted hash values that contain specially constructed keys or nested structures that bypass normal input validation mechanisms. When such malformed input reaches the from_hash method, it can trigger unintended code execution within the Ruby runtime environment, effectively allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and improper handling of hash structures within the Mongoid library. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specific hash values that contain Ruby code snippets or method calls that get evaluated during the query processing phase. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-94, which specifically addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to inadequate input validation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer, where attackers can leverage the database query interface to gain unauthorized access to the underlying system. The attack vector typically involves sending malicious HTTP requests containing crafted hash parameters to web applications that utilize Mongoid for database operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2026-2302 extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can lead to complete system takeover and persistent access for attackers. Applications using affected versions of Mongoid become vulnerable to remote code execution attacks that can result in data exfiltration, system modification, or complete service disruption. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be automated through various web application attack frameworks. Organizations running web applications that rely on Mongoid for database operations face significant risk exposure, particularly those with public-facing interfaces that accept user input through query parameters. The attack can be executed without requiring authentication or specialized knowledge of the underlying database structure, making it particularly dangerous in environments where applications process untrusted input.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-2302 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Mongoid versions to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations must implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers of their applications, including web application firewalls and API gateways, to filter out potentially malicious hash structures before they reach the Mongoid processing layer. The implementation of strict parameter validation and sanitization should be enforced throughout the application architecture, particularly in areas where user-supplied data is processed as database queries. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime monitoring and anomaly detection systems to identify suspicious query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, following the principle of least privilege and implementing proper access controls for database connections can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 for legitimate credentials and T1059 for command and scripting interpreters. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their web applications to identify all entry points that may be vulnerable to similar hash-based injection attacks.