CVE-2026-71464 in Ansible Automation Platform
Summary
by MITRE • 09/23/2026
LaunchConfigurationBaseSerializer.scm_branch has no validate_scm_branch() leading-dash check, unlike Project/JobTemplate/JobLaunch serializers. Schedule and WFJT Node accept --upload-pack=/bin/id as scm_branch. Currently blocked at runtime by jobs.py:1502 ValueError check (defense-in-depth), but the API validation gap means sole reliance on a task-layer guard. Refactoring that guard away would promote this to RCE.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2026
The vulnerability identified in LaunchConfigurationBaseSerializer.scm_branch stems from an inconsistency in input validation logic within the Ansible Tower or AWX automation platform's serialization layer. Specifically, the scm_branch parameter lacks a dedicated validate_scm_branch function that performs strict leading-dash checks, unlike other serializers such as Project, JobTemplate, and JobLaunch which implement these safeguards. This discrepancy creates a critical gap where malicious actors can inject command-line arguments directly into the branch field during configuration launches or workflow job template node setups. The core technical flaw lies in the absence of sanitization at the API validation stage, allowing special characters like double dashes to pass through unchecked before reaching downstream processing components.
This lack of early-stage filtering enables attackers to exploit how the system interprets version control operations. By supplying a value such as --upload-pack=/bin/id for the scm_branch parameter, an attacker can manipulate the underlying git commands executed by the platform. Although current runtime checks in jobs.py at line 1502 provide a defense-in-depth mechanism that blocks this specific payload with a ValueError exception, relying solely on task-layer guards is inherently risky. If future refactoring efforts remove or bypass this specific validation check to improve performance or simplify code structure, the vulnerability would immediately escalate from a blocked attempt to a fully exploitable Remote Code Execution (RCE) condition. The operational impact involves potential full system compromise, as arbitrary commands executed with platform privileges can lead to data exfiltration, lateral movement within the network, and complete loss of integrity for automated workflows.
From an industry standards perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20 Improper Input Validation, specifically regarding insufficient checking of input parameters before processing. It also relates to CWE-78 OS Command Injection due to the potential for arbitrary command execution via manipulated branch names. In terms of MITRE ATT&CK framework mapping, this represents a technique under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers leverage system utilities like git or shell interpreters to execute malicious commands. The attack vector is primarily remote through the API interface, classified as Network Accessible with low complexity if the defense-in-depth layer fails.
To mitigate these risks, immediate remediation should focus on implementing consistent validation logic across all serializers that handle scm_branch parameters. This includes adding a robust validate_scm_branch function to LaunchConfigurationBaseSerializer that strictly enforces alphanumeric and standard version control character restrictions while explicitly rejecting leading dashes or special characters that could be interpreted as command flags. Additionally, input sanitization should occur at the API layer rather than relying exclusively on runtime checks within job execution tasks. Developers must ensure that any refactoring of jobs.py does not remove existing security guards without equivalent replacements in higher-level validation layers. Regular code audits and static analysis tools configured to detect potential OS injection patterns can further reduce exposure by identifying similar inconsistencies across other modules before they are deployed into production environments.