CVE-2026-88036 in C Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 09/10/2026
Improper neutralization of special elements in data query logic in the GridFS component of the MongoDB C Driver can cause a caller-supplied structured file identifier to be interpreted as a query condition rather than as a literal identifier. An authenticated user who can influence the identifier passed by an affected application may obtain stored file content beyond the intended target or cause all GridFS file chunks in the affected bucket to be removed, rendering stored file content unreadable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2026
The vulnerability identified involves an improper neutralization of special elements within data query logic, specifically affecting the GridFS component of the MongoDB C Driver. This flaw represents a classic instance of NoSQL injection, where user-supplied input is not adequately sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. In this specific context, the issue arises when a caller supplies a structured file identifier intended to target a specific document or chunk within the GridFS system. Due to the lack of proper validation and escaping mechanisms in the driver's query construction logic, these identifiers are interpreted as active query conditions rather than literal values. This misinterpretation allows an attacker who has authenticated access and can influence the input parameters to manipulate the underlying database operations significantly beyond their intended scope.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. First, it enables unauthorized data disclosure by allowing an authenticated user to bypass restrictions on file retrieval. By crafting a malicious identifier that acts as a query filter, the attacker can retrieve stored file content from files they are not authorized to access, effectively compromising the confidentiality of sensitive data stored within the GridFS buckets. Second, and perhaps more critically, the vulnerability permits destructive actions against the integrity and availability of the storage system. An attacker can exploit this flaw to execute commands that remove all chunks associated with a specific bucket or even broader scopes depending on how the query is constructed. This results in the permanent deletion of stored file content, rendering it unreadable and causing significant disruption to applications relying on these files for operation.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns closely with CWE-943, which describes Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, adapted here for NoSQL environments as often categorized under CWE-915 or general injection flaws depending on the specific implementation details. The attack vector leverages the ability to inject logical operators into query parameters, a technique frequently observed in attacks against document-oriented databases. In terms of offensive security frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK, this behavior corresponds to techniques involving data manipulation and potential exfiltration through API endpoints or database interfaces. Specifically, it relates to components like T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter if the injection leads to broader command execution, but primarily falls under data access patterns where structured query language logic is abused to alter default security controls.
Mitigation strategies must focus on strict input validation and parameterization of queries within applications utilizing the MongoDB C Driver. Developers should ensure that all identifiers passed to GridFS functions are validated against expected formats, such as checking for specific hexadecimal strings or ObjectId structures without allowing arbitrary operators like $gt, $lt, or logical conjunctions. Upgrading to a patched version of the driver is essential if available, as vendors typically address these issues by enforcing stricter type checking and escaping mechanisms in query builders. Additionally, implementing least-privilege principles for database accounts used by applications can limit the blast radius of such an exploit, ensuring that even if injection occurs, the authenticated user lacks permissions to perform bulk deletions or access unrelated data buckets. Regular security audits focusing on NoSQL injection vectors are recommended to identify similar weaknesses in other parts of the application stack.