CVE-2026-40008 in IoTDB
Summary
by MITRE • 07/10/2026
Use of Externally-Controlled Input to Select Classes or Code ('Unsafe Reflection') vulnerability in Apache IoTDB. The pipe processor reads a fully qualified Java class name and instantiates it using Class.forName().newInstance() without any validation or allowlisting.
This issue affects Apache IoTDB: from 1.0.0 before 2.0.10.
Users are recommended to upgrade to version 2.0.10, which fixes the issue.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2026
The vulnerability in Apache IoTDB represents a critical security flaw categorized under CWE-94, known as "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" with specific focus on unsafe reflection practices. This weakness occurs when an application uses externally-controlled input to dynamically select and instantiate Java classes through mechanisms like Class.forName() and newInstance() without proper validation or sanitization. The pipe processor within IoTDB specifically exhibits this vulnerability by directly accepting user-supplied fully qualified class names and using them to instantiate objects, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of input validation mechanisms within the IoTDB pipeline processing system. When an attacker can manipulate the class name parameter passed to Class.forName(), they gain the ability to load and execute arbitrary Java classes from the application's classpath. This dangerous practice bypasses normal security boundaries and allows attackers to potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the running IoTDB process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core of the system's data processing capabilities, where untrusted input often flows through various data ingestion pathways.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code injection scenarios. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. In IoT environments where Apache IoTDB typically operates, this could result in unauthorized access to sensor data, disruption of industrial control systems, or even physical security breaches. The vulnerability affects all versions from 1.0.0 through 2.0.9, representing a significant attack surface that could be exploited by threat actors targeting industrial IoT infrastructure. The risk is amplified by the fact that many IoT deployments lack proper network segmentation and monitoring, making successful exploitation particularly damaging.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center around implementing strict input validation and allowlisting mechanisms. Organizations should upgrade to Apache IoTDB version 2.0.10 or later, which addresses this issue through proper class name validation and sanitization. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls, network segmentation, and comprehensive monitoring solutions can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Security practitioners should also consider implementing runtime application self-protection measures and regular security assessments to identify similar reflection-based vulnerabilities in other components of their IoT infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive strategies against dynamic code execution attacks.