CVE-2026-67975 in cFS
Summary
by MITRE • 08/04/2026
Incorrect access control in NASA cFS v7.0.1 allows attackers to arbitrarily remove low-index subscriptions and add new streams via sending TO_LAB add/remove subscription commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2026
The vulnerability identified in NASA cFS version 7.0.1 represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the integrity of the Command and Data Handling system's subscription management functionality. This issue stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the TO_LAB (Telemetry Output Lab) component responsible for managing data stream subscriptions. The flaw allows unauthorized actors to manipulate low-index subscriptions and introduce new streams through crafted commands, effectively compromising the system's ability to maintain proper data flow control and security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the command processing layer where the TO_LAB application fails to properly authenticate and authorize subscription management operations. Specifically when processing add or remove subscription commands, the system does not validate whether the requesting entity possesses sufficient privileges to modify the subscription table entries. This lack of proper access control validation creates a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the data routing configuration regardless of their actual authorization level. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it targets low-index subscriptions which typically represent core system functionality and critical telemetry streams.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability exposes NASA's Command and Data Handling system to significant risks including potential data exfiltration, service disruption, and unauthorized system manipulation. An attacker could remove critical subscriptions that are essential for system monitoring and control, effectively creating blind spots in the operational environment while simultaneously introducing malicious data streams that could be used to inject false telemetry information or disrupt normal operations. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise as it undermines the trust model that governs data integrity within the cFS framework.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Flaws, specifically addressing inadequate access control mechanisms in command processing systems, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts for maintaining persistence while exploiting the system's subscription management capabilities. Organizations implementing this software should immediately implement access control hardening measures including mandatory authentication for all subscription management commands, implementation of role-based access controls, and audit logging of all subscription modifications. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring of TO_LAB command traffic should be deployed to detect unauthorized attempts to modify subscription configurations.
The remediation strategy requires comprehensive patching of the cFS software to implement proper access control validation before processing any subscription management commands. System administrators must ensure that only authorized personnel with appropriate clearance levels can execute these operations, while also implementing automated monitoring systems that flag suspicious subscription changes. The fix should include mandatory command authentication verification, privilege level checks, and detailed audit trails for all subscription modifications to maintain accountability and detect potential compromise attempts.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of access control validation in mission-critical systems where unauthorized manipulation could have severe operational consequences. The issue highlights the need for robust security architecture principles including principle of least privilege, defense in depth strategies, and continuous monitoring of system operations. Organizations relying on similar command and data handling frameworks should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify comparable vulnerabilities in their own implementations and ensure proper access control mechanisms are in place across all system components.