Description

An issue in Squirro Cognitive Search < 3.14.2 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via a crafted payload to the password reset function.

Executive Summary

Technical Details

Mitigations

References

Additional Metadata

{
  "score": "9.8",
  "pubDate": "2026-08-17T18:17:09.207Z",
  "pubdate": "2026-08-17T18:17:09.207Z",
  "executiveSummary": "An arbitrary code execution vulnerability exists within Squirro Cognitive Search versions prior to 3.14.2.\nThe vulnerability resides in the application's password reset function, allowing a remote attacker to compromise the integrity and availability of the underlying system.\nThe primary impact of successful exploitation is the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the application process, potentially leading to full system compromise.\nThe affected product is Squirro Cognitive Search, specifically all deployments running versions below 3.14.2.\nThis vulnerability presents a critical risk to organizational security, as remote unauthenticated or context-specific attackers can leverage the flaw to bypass security controls.\nAttacker capabilities include remote code execution through the submission of a maliciously crafted payload directed at the password reset endpoint.\nExploitation requires network access to the vulnerable Squirro Cognitive Search instance and the ability to interact with the password reset functionality using a crafted payload designed to trigger the underlying flaw.",
  "technicalDetails": "The vulnerability is rooted in insecure deserialization, improper input validation, or unsafe evaluation mechanisms present within the password reset function of Squirro Cognitive Search.\nSpecifically, the vulnerable component handles user-supplied input during the password reset workflow without adequately sanitizing or restricting the data before it is processed by the application logic.\nThe affected versions include all releases of Squirro Cognitive Search prior to version 3.14.2.\nExploitation occurs over the network, as the password reset function is exposed remotely to users initiating recovery workflows.\nAuthentication requirements depend on the specific entry point of the password reset mechanism, but the vulnerability allows remote attackers to interact directly with the vulnerable handler.\nThe attack flow proceeds as follows: First, the attacker identifies the password reset endpoint exposed by the Squirro Cognitive Search web interface. Second, the attacker crafts a malicious payload designed to exploit the insecure handling of input within the password reset function. Third, the attacker transmits this crafted payload via an HTTP request to the vulnerable function. Fourth, the application processes the unsanitized payload, leading to the execution of arbitrary code within the context of the running application process.\nThe payload behavior involves injecting operating system commands, serialized objects, or expression language constructs that the underlying application executes improperly.\nThe post-exploitation impact includes arbitrary code execution, potential lateral movement within the internal network, data exfiltration, and complete compromise of the host running Squirro Cognitive Search."
}