CVE-2026-24051 in opentelemetry-go
Summary
by MITRE • 02/03/2026
OpenTelemetry-Go is the Go implementation of OpenTelemetry. The OpenTelemetry Go SDK in version v1.20.0-1.39.0 is vulnerable to Path Hijacking (Untrusted Search Paths) on macOS/Darwin systems. The resource detection code in sdk/resource/host_id.go executes the ioreg system command using a search path. An attacker with the ability to locally modify the PATH environment variable can achieve Arbitrary Code Execution (ACE) within the context of the application. A fix was released with v1.40.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2026-24051 affects the OpenTelemetry-Go SDK version range v1.20.0 through v1.39.0, specifically targeting macOS and Darwin operating systems. This issue stems from a path hijacking vulnerability classified under CWE-426, where the resource detection functionality in sdk/resource/host_id.go executes the ioreg system command without proper path validation. The flaw occurs when the application relies on the system PATH environment variable to locate executables, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can manipulate the execution flow by modifying the PATH variable to point to malicious binaries before legitimate system commands are executed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the resource detection component attempting to gather host identification information by invoking system commands through the exec package. When the ioreg command is executed, it uses the default system search paths rather than absolute paths, allowing attackers to substitute legitimate system binaries with malicious equivalents. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1546.008 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the attacker can execute arbitrary code within the application's security context. The PATH manipulation attack vector specifically targets the principle of least privilege by allowing code execution with the same permissions as the vulnerable application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for systems running OpenTelemetry-Go SDK versions within the affected range, particularly in environments where local privilege escalation is possible or where attackers have access to modify system environment variables. The arbitrary code execution capability allows attackers to potentially escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or establish persistence within the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in containerized environments or microservices architectures where OpenTelemetry agents are commonly deployed, as these systems often run with elevated privileges and may be exposed to local attack surfaces. The issue affects not just individual applications but could potentially compromise entire telemetry collection infrastructures that rely on the affected SDK versions.
The fix implemented in version v1.40.0 addresses this vulnerability by ensuring that system commands are executed using absolute paths instead of relying on the PATH environment variable. This remediation follows security best practices outlined in the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) secure coding guidelines and aligns with the principle of defense in depth. The solution demonstrates proper input validation and command execution practices that prevent path traversal attacks and ensure that system calls execute the intended binaries regardless of PATH modifications. Organizations should prioritize updating to version v1.40.0 or later to mitigate this vulnerability, while also implementing monitoring for unusual PATH modifications or unexpected command executions in their OpenTelemetry-based monitoring systems. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing environment variable restrictions and privilege separation mechanisms to further reduce the attack surface of applications using the affected SDK versions.