CVE-2026-54076 in ArcadeDB
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2026
ArcadeDB is a Multi-Model DBMS. Prior to 26.6.1, the fix for CVE-2026-44221 added an UPDATE_SCHEMA authorization check only to LocalDocumentType.createProperty, while the remaining public schema mutators in engine/src/main/java/com/arcadedb/schema/LocalDocumentType.java and engine/src/main/java/com/arcadedb/schema/LocalProperty.java remained unchecked. An authenticated identity, including a read-only API token without UPDATE_SCHEMA permission, can use DROP PROPERTY, ALTER TYPE, or ALTER PROPERTY through the database command/query HTTP endpoints to rename types, change inheritance, alter aliases or buckets, drop properties, and change property constraints. The issue does not directly disclose or write record data, but unauthorized schema mutation can corrupt the meaning of stored records and breach the documented permission model. This issue is fixed in version 26.6.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2026
ArcadeDB operates as a multi-model database management system that supports various data models including document, graph, key-value, and time-series. In versions prior to 26.6.1, the software exhibited an authorization bypass vulnerability related to schema modification operations. This flaw stems from an incomplete implementation of access controls within the internal Java classes responsible for managing the database schema structure. Specifically, while a fix was applied in earlier iterations to enforce UPDATE_SCHEMA authorization checks on the LocalDocumentType.createProperty method, other critical public schema mutators remained unprotected. These unchecked methods reside primarily within the engine/src/main/java/com/arcadedb/schema/LocalDocumentType.java and engine/src/main/java/com/arcadedb/schema/LocalProperty.java files. The oversight allows authenticated users to perform structural changes that should be restricted based on their assigned permissions, creating a significant gap in the security boundary of the database system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability is classified as an authorization bypass where specific administrative functions are accessible to users who lack the necessary privileges. An attacker possessing any form of authentication, including read-only API tokens or accounts explicitly denied UPDATE_SCHEMA permission, can exploit unchecked endpoints exposed via HTTP interfaces. By issuing commands such as DROP PROPERTY, ALTER TYPE, or ALTER PROPERTY through these database command and query HTTP endpoints, an unauthorized user can rename types, modify inheritance hierarchies, alter aliases or buckets, drop properties from existing structures, and change property constraints. This capability effectively allows the manipulation of the database schema without proper oversight, undermining the integrity of the permission model designed to segregate administrative duties from standard operational access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized configuration changes. Although the flaw does not directly facilitate data exfiltration or direct writing of record content in a traditional sense, it poses severe risks to data integrity and system stability. Unauthorized schema mutations can corrupt the semantic meaning of stored records by altering their structural definitions unexpectedly. For instance, dropping a property that applications rely upon for critical operations can cause application failures or data loss during subsequent read/write cycles. Similarly, changing inheritance structures or constraints can lead to inconsistent data states that are difficult to recover from without full database restoration. This breach of the documented permission model erodes trust in access controls and can be leveraged as a stepping stone for further attacks if combined with other vulnerabilities within the application stack.
From a classification perspective, this issue aligns with CWE-269 Improper Privilege Management, specifically involving insufficient checks on administrative functions. It also relates to CWE-862 Missing Authorization, where the system fails to enforce required access rights before allowing schema-altering actions. In terms of offensive security frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK, this vulnerability facilitates lateral movement or privilege escalation within the database layer by allowing lower-privileged accounts to perform high-level administrative tasks. The ability to alter schemas can be categorized under techniques that involve modifying system configurations to maintain persistence or disrupt availability, although in this specific context, it primarily serves to compromise data integrity and trust in access controls rather than direct service disruption.
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2026-44221, organizations must upgrade ArcadeDB to version 26.6.1 or later where these authorization checks have been properly implemented across all relevant schema mutator methods. Until an upgrade is feasible, administrators should review API token assignments and ensure that no read-only accounts are granted access to HTTP endpoints capable of executing ALTER or DROP commands against the database structure. Implementing strict network-level controls to restrict access to administrative interfaces can also reduce the attack surface. Regular auditing of user permissions and schema change logs is recommended to detect any unauthorized modifications promptly. Ensuring that all public API methods undergo rigorous security reviews for privilege enforcement will prevent similar authorization bypasses in future releases.