CVE-2026-76327 in Splunk
Summary
by MITRE • 08/20/2026
In Splunk Enterprise versions below 10.4.2, 10.2.6, 10.0.9, and 9.4.14, and Splunk Secure Gateway versions below 3.10.9, 3.9.23, and 3.8.70, an unauthenticated user could trick a user who holds the "admin" or "sc_admin" Splunk roles into opening a crafted Splunk Web Uniform Resource Locator (URL). The resulting dashboard searches could run arbitrary Search Processing Language (SPL) commands with the permissions available to the affected user. The commands could expose all relevant data available to that user and affect search results or lookup data. The vulnerability is possible because Splunk Secure Gateway dashboards do not correctly neutralize caller-supplied values before using them in dashboard searches. The vulnerability requires the attacker to phish the affected user by tricking them into initiating a request within their browser. The unauthenticated user should not be able to exploit the vulnerability at will.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2026
The identified security flaw resides within Splunk Enterprise and Splunk Secure Gateway software, specifically affecting versions prior to 10.4.2, 10.2.6, 10.0.9, and 9.4.14 for the enterprise platform, as well as versions below 3.10.9, 3.9.23, and 3.8.70 for the Secure Gateway component. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, which addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, commonly known as cross-site scripting or injection vulnerabilities depending on context. In this specific instance, the flaw manifests through a lack of proper validation and sanitization of user-supplied values within dashboard configurations. The core technical issue stems from Splunk Secure Gateway dashboards failing to correctly neutralize caller-supplied parameters before these inputs are integrated into Search Processing Language queries executed by the backend system. This architectural oversight allows an attacker to inject malicious SPL commands directly into the search context, bypassing intended security controls that would normally restrict query execution based on user roles and permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on Splunk for data analysis and monitoring. An unauthenticated external actor can craft a deceptive Uniform Resource Locator designed to exploit this weakness. The exploitation mechanism relies heavily on social engineering, requiring the attacker to trick an authorized user into opening the malicious link within their web browser. Once the targeted user initiates the request, the system processes the injected SPL commands using the permissions associated with that specific user account. If the victim holds administrative roles such as admin or sc_admin, the consequences are severe. The arbitrary execution of Search Processing Language commands can lead to the exfiltration of all data accessible to the compromised user account. Furthermore, attackers can manipulate search results and alter lookup data, potentially leading to misinformation in security operations centers or masking malicious activities by corrupting audit trails and log integrity.
This vulnerability aligns with MITRE ATT&CK technique T1059, specifically sub-technique 004 which covers command and scripting interpreter abuse via injection vectors like web application interfaces. It also reflects aspects of T1078 regarding valid accounts being used for unauthorized access when combined with the phishing vector required to trigger the exploit. The requirement for user interaction means that this is not an automated remote code execution vulnerability but rather a stored or reflected input validation failure that necessitates human engagement. This characteristic makes it particularly dangerous in environments where security analysts routinely click on links from dashboards, reports, or shared searches without verifying their provenance.
Mitigation strategies must focus primarily on immediate software updates and enhanced user awareness training. Administrators should upgrade Splunk Enterprise to version 10.4.2 or later, or alternatively apply the specific patch versions of 10.2.6, 10.0.9, and 9.4.14 depending on their current deployment baseline. Similarly, instances running Splunk Secure Gateway must be updated to version 3.10.9 or higher, with options including 3.9.23 and 3.8.70 for those maintaining older release tracks. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict input validation policies at the application layer to ensure that all user-supplied data is sanitized before being incorporated into search queries. Security operations teams must also enforce least-privilege access models, ensuring that users do not unnecessarily hold admin or sc_admin roles unless absolutely required for their job functions. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication and monitoring for unusual dashboard interactions can help detect potential exploitation attempts early in the kill chain.