CVE-2026-63739 in SurrealDB
Summary
by MITRE • 07/20/2026
SurrealDB before 3.1.5 contains an arbitrary file read vulnerability in the DEFINE ANALYZER mapper filter that allows database users with EDITOR or OWNER roles to read files accessible to the SurrealDB process. Attackers can specify arbitrary file paths in the mapper filter and retrieve file contents through query error messages when the SURREAL_FILE_ALLOWLIST is empty or not configured.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2026
This vulnerability exists within SurrealDB versions prior to 3.1.5 and represents a critical arbitrary file read flaw that directly impacts database security. The vulnerability specifically resides in the DEFINE ANALYZER mapper filter functionality, which allows authenticated users with EDITOR or OWNER roles to access files on the underlying filesystem that are accessible to the SurrealDB process. When the SURREAL_FILE_ALLOWLIST configuration parameter is either empty or not properly configured, attackers can exploit this weakness by providing arbitrary file paths within the mapper filter context, thereby enabling unauthorized file retrieval through query error messages that reveal file contents.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the lack of proper input validation and path sanitization within the analyzer component. When users with sufficient privileges execute queries containing malicious file paths in the mapper filter, the system fails to properly validate or restrict file access attempts. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22 known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory" and represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that has been documented across numerous database systems. The error message disclosure mechanism provides attackers with the exact content of requested files, effectively turning what should be a controlled access point into an information disclosure vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to potentially access sensitive configuration files, credential stores, system logs, and other privileged data that may be stored on the filesystem where SurrealDB operates. Database administrators with EDITOR or OWNER roles typically have elevated privileges within the database context, making this a particularly dangerous flaw when combined with legitimate administrative access rights. Attackers can systematically enumerate and extract valuable information from the target system, potentially leading to further compromise through credential exposure or system reconnaissance.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and path restriction mechanisms for all file access operations within the analyzer functionality. Organizations should immediately update to SurrealDB version 3.1.5 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through enhanced path validation and proper file access controls. Additionally, administrators should configure the SURREAL_FILE_ALLOWLIST parameter with strict restrictions on allowed file paths and ensure that all database users have least privilege access. The implementation of proper error handling that does not expose sensitive file content in error messages represents a fundamental security control that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.001 for Credential Access and data exfiltration prevention. Regular security audits of database configurations and privilege assignments should be conducted to prevent unauthorized access to critical system resources.