CVE-2026-85428 in core-moos
Summary
by MITRE • 09/04/2026
MOOS core-moos through 10.4.0 contains an authentication bypass vulnerability in the optional MOOSDB HTTP server that allows unauthenticated clients to write variables. Attackers can send HTTP requests with variable names and values to the MOOSDB HTTP server port to modify MOOS variables including actuator and override commands without authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2026
The core-moos software suite, specifically versions up through 10.4.0, contains a critical security flaw within its optional MOOSDB HTTP server component that results in an authentication bypass vulnerability. This defect allows unauthenticated external actors to interact directly with the database interface without providing valid credentials or passing any form of access control verification. The root cause lies in the improper implementation of authorization checks for incoming HTTP requests targeting the variable storage mechanisms, effectively leaving a significant attack surface exposed on network ports where this service is active.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability enables attackers to send arbitrary HTTP POST or PUT requests containing specific variable names and associated values directly to the MOOSDB server port. Because the system fails to validate the identity of the requester before processing these write operations, malicious actors can inject false data into the central database that coordinates autonomous systems. This capability is particularly dangerous because it allows for the modification of critical operational parameters without any prior authentication step, bypassing standard security controls designed to protect sensitive configuration and control variables.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as MOOS (Mission Oriented Operating Suite) is widely used in unmanned underwater vehicles, autonomous surface vessels, and other robotic platforms where real-time data integrity is paramount. By exploiting this flaw, an attacker can manipulate actuator commands and override controls that dictate the physical behavior of the affected system. This could lead to unauthorized changes in navigation paths, speed adjustments, or deployment mechanisms, potentially causing catastrophic hardware damage, loss of vehicle control, or mission failure depending on the specific application context.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which describes Improper Authentication, as the system fails to adequately verify the identity of users before granting access to protected resources. Furthermore, it maps to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter if used for initial compromise or more specifically to lateral movement techniques where an attacker modifies state variables to influence downstream systems. In the context of autonomous vehicles, this also relates to CWE-264 Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls due to the lack of enforcement on who can write to sensitive actuator variables.
To mitigate this risk, organizations deploying MOOS core-moos should immediately disable the optional HTTP server functionality if it is not strictly required for their operational workflow. If the service must remain active, administrators should implement network-level access controls such as firewall rules or IP whitelisting to restrict connectivity to trusted internal networks only. Additionally, upgrading to a patched version of MOOS that includes proper authentication enforcement in the DB interface is essential. Security teams should also conduct regular audits of exposed services and ensure that all external-facing interfaces are hardened against unauthorized write operations through robust input validation and strict access control policies.