CVE-2026-76254 in Splunk
Summary
by MITRE • 08/20/2026
In Splunk Enterprise versions below 10.4.2, 10.2.6, 10.0.9, 9.4.14, and 9.3.14, an unauthenticated user could cause another user to dispatch arbitrary Search Processing Language (SPL) pipelines from Dataset Explorer with the same privileges as that user, which can allow for access to all relevant data and system integrity available to that user and affect system availability. The vulnerability is possible because Dataset Explorer does not validate or escape dataset names before building SPL searches and does not apply SPL safeguards for risky commands to those searches. The vulnerability requires the attacker to phish the user by tricking them into opening the crafted link. The unauthenticated user should not be able to exploit the vulnerability at will. For more information see Explore a dataset (https://help.splunk.com/en/splunk-enterprise/manage-knowledge-objects/knowledge-management-manual/10.4/manage-and-explore-datasets/explore-a-dataset) and SPL safeguards for risky commands (https://help.splunk.com/en/splunk-enterprise/administer/manage-users-and-security/10.4/best-practices-for-splunk-platform-security/spl-safeguards-for-risky-commands) in the Splunk documentation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2026
The identified vulnerability affects multiple versions of Splunk Enterprise, specifically those prior to 10.4.2, 10.2.6, 10.0.9, 9.4.14, and 9.3.14. This security flaw resides within the Dataset Explorer component, a feature designed to facilitate data exploration through predefined datasets rather than raw Search Processing Language queries. The core technical deficiency lies in the application's failure to properly validate or escape dataset names when constructing underlying SPL searches. Furthermore, the system neglects to apply standard SPL safeguards for risky commands to these dynamically generated searches. This architectural oversight allows an unauthenticated user to manipulate the search execution context by leveraging crafted links that trick a legitimate, authenticated user into initiating arbitrary Search Processing Language pipelines with their own privileges.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability is classified as an Insecure Deserialization or Improper Input Validation issue, aligning closely with CWE-20 and CWE-79 in common weakness enumerations. The attacker does not execute code directly on the server but instead performs a Server-Side Request Forgery-like attack where the victim's browser acts as the proxy for malicious intent. By tricking an authenticated user into clicking a specially crafted link, the attacker forces the Dataset Explorer to dispatch SPL commands that bypass standard security controls. Because these searches are executed under the context of the logged-in user, they inherit all permissions associated with that account. This effectively neutralizes access control mechanisms intended to restrict data visibility and command execution capabilities within the Splunk environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, encompassing unauthorized data access, potential system integrity compromise, and service availability disruption. An attacker can leverage this flaw to exfiltrate sensitive information stored in datasets that would otherwise be inaccessible due to role-based access controls. Beyond data theft, the ability to dispatch arbitrary SPL pipelines allows for destructive actions such as resource exhaustion leading to denial of service conditions or manipulation of existing data through risky commands like rm or mv if not properly sandboxed. This represents a significant breach of confidentiality and integrity within the Splunk platform, undermining trust in the security posture of enterprise deployments that rely on strict role separation.
This attack vector is categorized under MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to Social Engineering and Command and Scripting Interpreter abuse. Specifically, it aligns with T1566.002 Phishing: Spearphishing Link, as exploitation requires social engineering to induce a privileged user to interact with the malicious payload. The requirement for an unauthenticated attacker to rely on phishing highlights that while the technical flaw is critical, its practical exploitation depends heavily on human factors and security awareness within the organization. Defenders must recognize that even without direct network access or authentication credentials, internal application logic flaws can be weaponized through user interaction.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Splunk Enterprise instances to versions 10.4.2, 10.2.6, 10.0.9, 9.4.14, or 9.3.14 and later, where these validation checks have been implemented. In addition to software updates, organizations should enforce strict SPL safeguards for risky commands as recommended in Splunk documentation, ensuring that dangerous operations are restricted even within dataset explorations. Security teams must also enhance user training regarding phishing awareness, emphasizing the risks of clicking links from untrusted sources when working with sensitive data platforms. Implementing web application firewalls or input validation layers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to detect and block malformed requests targeting Dataset Explorer endpoints before they reach the vulnerable application logic.