CVE-2026-92192 in Foglight for Databases
Summary
by MITRE • 11/04/2026
Quest Foglight for Databases installLicense Directory Traversal Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Quest Foglight for Databases. Authentication is required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the installLicense script. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied path prior to using it in file operations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-29215.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2026
The identified security flaw resides within Quest Foglight for Databases, specifically affecting the installLicense script component. This vulnerability is classified as a directory traversal issue that ultimately leads to remote code execution. The core technical deficiency lies in the insufficient validation of user-supplied path inputs before they are utilized in file system operations. When an attacker provides a maliciously crafted path containing sequence characters such as dot-dot-slash, the application fails to sanitize or properly resolve these sequences against expected directory boundaries. Consequently, this allows the script to access and write files outside of its intended installation directories, bypassing standard security controls designed to restrict file placement within specific system locations.
Exploitation of this vulnerability requires authentication, meaning an attacker must possess valid credentials for the Foglight application before they can trigger the flaw. Once authenticated, the adversary can manipulate the input parameters passed to the installLicense script to traverse up the directory structure and place executable files in critical system directories or other writable locations where arbitrary code execution is possible. By leveraging this lack of path validation, an attacker achieves a significant escalation of privileges, executing code with SYSTEM-level permissions on Windows-based installations. This level of access grants complete control over the underlying operating system, allowing for the installation of backdoors, data exfiltration, lateral movement within the network, and persistent compromise of the database management infrastructure.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which describes flaws where software does not properly neutralize special elements that can cause paths to be resolved in unintended ways. Furthermore, the exploitation technique maps directly to MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to Command and Scripting Interpreter abuse and potentially T1059: Command and Scripting Interpreter, as well as privilege escalation vectors like T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation if the initial access was lower privileged. The ability to write files in system directories also relates to persistence mechanisms often seen in advanced persistent threat campaigns where attackers establish footholds by placing malicious scripts or binaries in accessible locations that are executed under high-privilege contexts.
To mitigate this risk, administrators should immediately apply any available patches or updates provided by Quest Software that address the input validation logic within the installLicense script. Until patching is feasible, it is critical to ensure that only trusted users with legitimate business needs have administrative access to the Foglight application interface. Network segmentation strategies should be employed to restrict access to management consoles from untrusted networks, and strict monitoring of file system changes in installation directories can help detect attempted exploitation activities. Additionally, implementing least-privilege principles for service accounts running the Foglight services can limit the potential impact if an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, although mitigating the root cause through software updates remains the primary defense strategy against such directory traversal attacks.