CVE-2026-44795 in YAML Handler
Summary
by MITRE • 07/11/2026
Spinnaker is an open source, multi-cloud continuous delivery platform. Prior to 2026.1.0, 2026.0.3, 2025.4.4, and 2025.3.3, unsafe YAML processing bypasses safe deserialization when using CloudFormation deployments or CloudFoundry baking. The use of a non-safe constructor allows arbitrary loading of Java classes, leading to remote code execution. This issue is fixed in versions 2026.1.0, 2026.0.3, 2025.4.4, and 2025.3.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2026
Spinnaker represents a critical security vulnerability rooted in unsafe YAML processing practices that fundamentally undermines the platform's security posture during cloud deployment operations. This vulnerability affects multiple versions of the multi-cloud continuous delivery platform prior to specific patches released in early 2026, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors targeting cloud infrastructure deployments. The flaw specifically manifests when Spinnaker processes CloudFormation deployments or CloudFoundry baking operations, where the system employs non-safe YAML constructors that permit arbitrary Java class loading. This unsafe deserialization mechanism directly violates established security principles and creates an avenue for remote code execution attacks that can compromise entire cloud environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of YAML input through unsafe constructors that bypass standard serialization safeguards. When Spinnaker processes deployment configurations containing maliciously crafted YAML content, the system's reliance on non-safe constructors enables attackers to inject and execute arbitrary Java classes within the runtime environment. This represents a classic deserialization attack vector where the attacker can leverage the platform's legitimate processing capabilities to execute malicious code remotely without requiring authentication or privileged access. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-502 which specifically addresses unsafe deserialization in software systems, making it particularly dangerous given that Spinnaker operates as a continuous delivery platform with broad access to cloud infrastructure resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to gain complete control over deployment pipelines and potentially compromise entire cloud environments. Organizations using affected versions of Spinnaker face significant risks including data exfiltration, service disruption, and unauthorized access to production systems. The vulnerability affects critical deployment workflows where CloudFormation templates and CloudFoundry baking processes are commonly used, making it particularly dangerous for enterprises relying on automated deployment pipelines. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary commands on the Spinnaker server, potentially leading to full system compromise and lateral movement within cloud infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies require immediate patching of affected Spinnaker versions to the secure releases 2026.1.0, 2026.0.3, 2025.4.4, and 2025.3.3 that implement proper safe deserialization practices. Organizations should also implement network segmentation controls around Spinnaker instances and monitor for unusual YAML processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix addresses the core issue by replacing unsafe YAML constructors with secure alternatives that properly validate and sanitize input before processing, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 which focuses on legitimate credentials and system access manipulation. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their deployment pipelines to identify any other potential deserialization vulnerabilities and implement automated monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior in continuous delivery environments.