CVE-2026-76224 in ArcadeDB
Summary
by MITRE • 08/19/2026
ArcadeDB before 26.8.1 (arcadedb-gremlin, affected <= 26.7.3) contains a remote code execution vulnerability in its Gremlin query engine. Although the engine defaults to the documented-secure java (gremlin-lang) engine, ArcadeGremlin.executeStatement() silently falls back to the insecure Groovy engine whenever a request carries any query parameter and the query does not parse as gremlin-lang. An authenticated user with any database role, including a read-only reader, can submit a parameterized Gremlin query to trigger the Groovy fallback and execute arbitrary operating system commands as the ArcadeDB server process user.
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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 remote code execution flaw within its Gremlin query engine, specifically affecting components such as arcadedb-gremlin where version numbers are less than or equal to 26.7.3. This security defect stems from an improper fallback mechanism designed to handle query parsing failures. While the system is configured by default to utilize a secure Java-based execution environment for Gremlin queries, the implementation contains a logic error that allows this safety measure to be bypassed under specific conditions. When a request includes any query parameter and the subsequent query fails to parse correctly as standard gremlin-lang syntax, the ArcadeGremlin.executeStatement() method silently reverts to an insecure Groovy engine instead of rejecting the input or maintaining the secure execution context. This silent fallback mechanism effectively neutralizes the intended security controls, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on the host system.
From a technical perspective, this flaw is classified as CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code (Code Injection), specifically involving server-side script injection via Groovy scripting capabilities. The vulnerability allows an authenticated user with any database role, including those restricted to read-only access, to exploit this behavior. By crafting a malicious request that includes query parameters and ensures the primary Gremlin syntax fails to parse, the attacker forces the application into the vulnerable execution mode. Once inside the insecure Groovy engine, the attacker can leverage dynamic scripting features to execute arbitrary operating system commands with the privileges of the ArcadeDB server process user. This escalation is particularly severe because it does not require administrative rights or elevated permissions within the database itself, thereby lowering the barrier for exploitation significantly and allowing even low-privileged users to compromise the underlying infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial, as it leads directly to full system compromise rather than mere data exposure. An attacker who successfully exploits this flaw can execute commands that allow them to read sensitive configuration files, exfiltrate database contents, install backdoors, or pivot further into the internal network depending on the isolation level of the ArcadeDB process. Since the execution occurs under the context of the service account running ArcadeDB, if that account has broad file system permissions or access to other services, the blast radius extends beyond the immediate application layer. This aligns with MITRE ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically sub-techniques related to Groovy scripting, as well as T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution if the commands are designed to deploy payloads on client systems through subsequent interactions. The silent nature of the fallback also complicates detection efforts, as standard logging might not immediately distinguish between a legitimate parsing error and an attempted exploitation vector without deep inspection of execution contexts.
Mitigation strategies must prioritize immediate patching to version 26.8.1 or later, where this logic flaw has been addressed by enforcing strict adherence to the secure Java engine regardless of query parameter presence or parsing outcomes. In environments where upgrading is not immediately feasible, administrators should implement network-level controls such as Web Application Firewalls (WAF) rules that inspect incoming Gremlin queries for suspicious patterns indicative of Groovy injection attempts, particularly focusing on requests containing unexpected parameters combined with malformed syntax. Additionally, enforcing the principle of least privilege by running the ArcadeDB service under a restricted user account with minimal file system and network permissions can significantly reduce the impact if an exploitation attempt succeeds. Regular auditing of database roles should also be conducted to ensure that read-only users do not possess unnecessary capabilities that could facilitate further lateral movement once initial access is gained through this vulnerability.