Root code execution via unvalidated sort caster
Published Aug 19, 2026 · Updated Aug 19, 2026
Deserialization in Wazuh 4.0.0 through 4.14.5 and 5.0.0-beta1 allows attackers controlling a cluster worker to execute code as root. AffectedItemsWazuhResult.merge() resolves the worker-controlled sort_casting name through Python builtins and applies the resulting callable to affected_items data. Exploitation requires an authenticated cluster worker response, at least two merged node results, and attacker-controlled Python source; successful execution compromises the master process.
Summary
What happened
Deserialization in Wazuh 4.0.0 through 4.14.5 and 5.0.0-beta1 allows attackers controlling a cluster worker to execute code as root. AffectedItemsWazuhResult.merge() resolves the worker-controlled sort_casting name through Python builtins and applies the resulting callable to affected_items data. Exploitation requires an authenticated cluster worker response, at least two merged node results, and attacker-controlled Python source; successful execution compromises the master process.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-44901
- Published
- Aug 19, 2026
- Updated
- Aug 19, 2026
- Vendor
- Wazuh
- Product
- Wazuh
- Classifications
- CWE-502, T1059.006
- Attack vector
- adjacent
- Privileges
- authenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Aug 19, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Aug 19, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=>= 4.0.0, < 4.14.6
- Affected versionversion=>= 5.0.0-beta1, < 5.0.0-beta2
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
- Vendor cluster-worker proof of conceptfunctional · demonstrated
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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