CVE-2026-76223 in ArcadeDB
Summary
by MITRE • 08/19/2026
ArcadeDB (com.arcadedb) versions 26.7.3 and earlier fail to enforce the UPDATE_SCHEMA permission check when a DEFINE FUNCTION statement targets an already-existing function library. A user with only database access can add or overwrite SQL or Cypher functions in an existing library and persist the change, enabling tampering with admin-defined function logic. The issue is fixed in 26.8.1. (JavaScript functions still trigger the UPDATE_SECURITY check and are not affected.)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2026
The vulnerability identified in ArcadeDB versions prior to 26.8.1 represents a critical authorization bypass within the database engine's function management subsystem. Specifically, the flaw resides in the handling of DEFINE FUNCTION statements when they target an existing function library. In a properly secured environment, any modification to administrative resources such as predefined libraries should require elevated privileges, typically governed by permissions like UPDATE_SCHEMA or similar high-level access controls. However, due to this implementation defect, the system fails to perform the necessary permission check for SQL and Cypher functions in these specific scenarios. This allows users who possess only basic database read or write access to bypass administrative restrictions entirely.
From a technical perspective, the core issue is an inconsistency in privilege enforcement logic. When a user attempts to define a function that overwrites or adds to an existing library entry, the application does not validate whether the current session has the requisite UPDATE_SCHEMA permission. This oversight creates a direct path for unauthorized modification of server-side code execution paths. It is important to note that this vulnerability is specific to SQL and Cypher functions; JavaScript-based functions correctly trigger the more stringent UPDATE_SECURITY check, indicating that the flaw is isolated to the parsing or authorization layer handling non-JavaScript function definitions rather than a systemic failure across all script types.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it enables privilege escalation through logic tampering. An attacker with low-level access can inject malicious SQL or Cypher functions into existing libraries. These injected functions are then executed within the context of higher-privileged sessions that rely on these standard library routines. This effectively allows an unauthenticated or low-privilege user to execute arbitrary code, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify database structures, or disrupt service availability by altering core business logic embedded in function definitions. The persistence of these changes means that even if the initial attacker is removed from the system, their malicious functions remain active and continue to pose a risk until manually cleaned up.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-269, which describes Improper Privilege Management, as it involves an actor obtaining privileges they are not authorized to have by exploiting a flaw in access control logic. Furthermore, under the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this behavior corresponds to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically through the abuse of legitimate system functions for malicious purposes. The ability to overwrite existing libraries also touches upon supply chain integrity concerns similar to CWE-354 Improper Validation of Integrity Check Value, as the trust in predefined administrative assets is compromised without proper verification.
To mitigate this risk, organizations running ArcadeDB versions 26.7.3 and earlier must upgrade immediately to version 26.8.1 or later, where the permission check has been corrected for SQL and Cypher function definitions. Until an upgrade can be performed, administrators should enforce strict network-level access controls to limit who can connect to the database instance. Additionally, implementing robust auditing mechanisms to monitor DEFINE FUNCTION operations can help detect unauthorized attempts in real-time. It is also advisable to review existing function libraries regularly to ensure no malicious code has been injected during periods of exposure.