CVE-2026-44632 in Yamcs
Summary
by MITRE • 07/16/2026
Yamcs is a mission control framework. Prior to 5.12.7, a server-side code injection vulnerability existed in the Yamcs algorithm evaluation engine org.yamcs.algorithms.JavaExprAlgorithmExecutionFactory, which dynamically compiled and evaluated user-controlled algorithm text through the Janino compiler without enforcing a secure sandbox, so an authenticated user with the ChangeMissionDatabase privilege could override an existing algorithm's text via the mission database REST API and inject Java code (for example using java.lang.Runtime) to achieve remote code execution on the underlying host operating system. This issue is fixed in versions 5.12.7 and 5.13.0, which disable algorithm editing by default.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2026
The vulnerability under discussion affects Yamcs, a comprehensive mission control framework widely used in space and aviation applications for mission planning, command and control, and data processing. This server-side code injection flaw exists within the algorithm evaluation engine component known as org.yamcs.algorithms.JavaExprAlgorithmExecutionFactory, which serves as a critical interface for executing user-defined algorithms during mission operations. The vulnerability stems from the system's reliance on the Janino compiler for dynamic code compilation and execution without proper sandboxing mechanisms in place.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the dynamic compilation of user-controlled algorithm text through the Janino compiler, which operates without enforcing secure execution boundaries or isolation measures. An authenticated attacker with the ChangeMissionDatabase privilege can exploit this by overriding existing algorithm definitions via the mission database REST API endpoint. This allows for the injection of malicious Java code directly into the system, enabling attackers to leverage standard Java runtime capabilities such as java.lang.Runtime to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying host operating system. The vulnerability essentially transforms a legitimate administrative function into a vector for remote code execution, bypassing normal security controls that would typically prevent such unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables full system compromise through authenticated access to mission-critical infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the host system, potentially gaining access to sensitive mission data, disrupting operations, or establishing persistent access points within the operational environment. The severity is amplified by the fact that the vulnerability requires only an authenticated user with ChangeMissionDatabase privileges, which may be granted to legitimate administrators or operators in normal operational scenarios.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation. The remediation approach implemented in versions 5.12.7 and 5.13.0 addresses the root cause by disabling algorithm editing functionality by default, effectively removing the attack surface that enabled this vulnerability. This defensive measure follows security best practices by implementing principle of least privilege and minimizing attack surfaces through configuration hardening rather than attempting to patch the underlying code execution mechanism.
The fix represents a significant architectural change in how Yamcs handles algorithm modifications, moving from a permissive model where authenticated users could modify core operational components to a more restrictive approach that prevents arbitrary code injection through the database interface. This approach aligns with modern security principles that emphasize defense in depth and the need for secure default configurations. Organizations using Yamcs should ensure immediate deployment of these patched versions while reviewing their privilege assignment policies to minimize the risk of unauthorized access to mission database modification capabilities. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure code execution environments, particularly in mission-critical systems where operational integrity and security are paramount considerations.
The remediation strategy demonstrates a shift toward more conservative security approaches in complex operational frameworks, where the potential for catastrophic system compromise through code injection attacks necessitates defensive measures that prioritize system stability over ease of modification. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for sandboxing mechanisms in dynamic code execution environments and the importance of implementing proper input validation and privilege controls in mission-critical applications. The fix ensures that even if authentication credentials are compromised, the attack surface for remote code execution is significantly reduced through default configuration changes that prevent the core vulnerability from being exploited.