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CVE-2026-56090 is a vulnerability affecting Dell ObjectScale, a cloud-native object storage solution from Dell Technologies. The flaw resides in how the application resolves search paths when locating executables or dynamically loaded libraries. In versions prior to 4.3.0.1, ObjectScale does not properly control or sanitize the search path elements used to locate required resources. This weakness is classified under CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element), also commonly referred to as DLL preloading or binary planting.
The vulnerability arises because the application searches for resources in a sequence of directories, and one or more of these directories can be influenced or modified by a low-privileged local user. An attacker with local access to the system and minimal privileges can manipulate the search path by placing a malicious executable or library in a directory that precedes legitimate system paths. When ObjectScale attempts to load a resource without specifying an absolute path, the operating system searches through the directories in order. If the attacker-controlled directory appears earlier in the search order than the trusted system directory, the malicious file is loaded instead of the legitimate one.
The attack requires local access, low privileges, and user interaction. Once the malicious code is loaded, it executes with the privileges of the ObjectScale process—typically elevated system-level privileges—leading to a complete escalation of privileges. The attacker can then perform arbitrary actions, including reading sensitive data, modifying system configurations, installing persistent backdoors, or compromising the entire ObjectScale deployment.
The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.3, which is classified as High severity. The CVSS vector is CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. The attack vector is LOCAL, with LOW attack complexity, LOW privileges required, and USER interaction REQUIRED. The scope is UNCHANGED, and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is HIGH. The vulnerability was assigned by Dell on June 18, 2026, and published on August 17, 2026. Dell has addressed the issue in ObjectScale version 4.3.0.1.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: Dell ObjectScale
Version: < 4.3.0.1
Vulnerability: CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path
Severity: High (CVSS 7.3)
Date: August 17, 2026
Prediction: September 2026
What Undercode Say:
Check ObjectScale version objectscale --version Identify vulnerable installations (prior to 4.3.0.1) dpkg -l | grep objectscale rpm -qa | grep objectscale Monitor for unauthorized file creations in writable directories auditctl -w /opt/objectscale/bin/ -p wa -k objectscale_bin auditctl -w /usr/local/lib/ -p wa -k objectscale_lib Check current PATH and library search order echo $PATH ldconfig -p | grep objectscale Verify integrity of ObjectScale binaries sha256sum /opt/objectscale/bin/ > baseline_hashes.txt
Exploit: (Educational Purposes!)
A local attacker with low privileges can exploit this vulnerability by:
1. Identifying a directory that is writable by the attacker and appears in the search path before trusted system directories. Common targets include the current working directory, /tmp, or user-specific `bin` folders.
2. Creating a malicious shared library or executable with the same name as a resource that ObjectScale attempts to load (e.g., libobjectscale.so, helper.exe, or a custom plugin binary).
3. Placing the malicious file in the attacker-controlled directory.
4. Triggering ObjectScale to load the resource, either by restarting the service, invoking a specific function, or waiting for scheduled tasks.
5. The malicious code executes with the privileges of the ObjectScale process, leading to full system compromise.
Protection:
- Upgrade: Immediately upgrade Dell ObjectScale to version 4.3.0.1 or later, which contains the official patch.
- Restrict PATH: Hard-code the search path used by ObjectScale to only include trusted system directories, preventing user modifications.
- Limit Local Privileges: Restrict local user privileges on ObjectScale servers to reduce the ability of low-privileged accounts to alter execution paths.
- Monitor File System: Implement file integrity monitoring (FIM) to detect unauthorized creations or modifications in directories used by ObjectScale.
- Application Whitelisting: Deploy application whitelisting solutions (e.g., AppLocker) to prevent execution of unauthorized binaries.
Impact:
Successful exploitation of CVE-2026-56090 allows a local low-privileged attacker to escalate privileges to the level of the ObjectScale service, typically root or SYSTEM. This can result in:
– Complete System Compromise: Full control over the affected host, enabling installation of backdoors, malware, or ransomware.
– Data Breach: Unauthorized access to all data stored in ObjectScale, including sensitive customer information, intellectual property, and operational logs.
– Service Disruption: Manipulation or deletion of ObjectScale components, leading to denial of service for dependent applications and storage workloads.
– Lateral Movement: Use of the compromised host as a pivot point to attack other systems within the network.
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Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
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