CVE-2026-61400 Apache Software Foundation CVE debrief

Who should care

Administrators and users of Apache CloudStack, especially those with access to the getDiagnosticsData and runDiagnostics APIs, should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to mitigate it. This includes reviewing compensating controls, monitoring for suspicious activity, and implementing security measures to limit lateral movement within the CloudStack-managed infrastructure. Users with access to system VMs and Virtual Routers should also be cautious of potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, security teams and vulnerability management teams should prioritize patching and mitigation efforts for this vulnerability. Operators of CloudStack-managed infrastructure should also review their configurations and ensure that access to the affected APIs is properly restricted. Furthermore, asset inventory and security teams should verify that all affected systems are accounted for and that patches or mitigations are applied accordingly. Lastly, source tracking and monitoring should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts and verify the effectiveness of mitigation efforts. IT teams responsible for CloudStack deployments should also consider implementing rollback/change windows to ensure that patches can be applied with minimal disruption to operations. Overall, a coordinated effort is required across various teams to effectively mitigate this vulnerability and minimize potential impact on CloudStack deployments. The CVE record indicates that evidence is based on official CVE and NVD records, with limited additional detail, emphasizing the need for thorough review and verification of affected systems and potential exposure. Therefore, it is crucial for all stakeholders to collaborate and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to mitigate this vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation. This may involve reviewing and updating existing security policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure that they align with the latest information and best practices for mitigating this type of vulnerability. By taking a proactive and coordinated approach, organizations can minimize the risk associated with this vulnerability and protect their Cloud- 4

Technical summary

CVE-2026-61400 is an Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerability in Apache CloudStack's run and get diagnostics functionality. An authenticated user with specific permissions can execute arbitrary commands as root on system VMs and Virtual Routers. This vulnerability affects Apache CloudStack versions from 4.20.0.0 through 4.20.3.0 and from 4.21.0.0 through 4.22.1.0. The getDiagnosticsData and runDiagnostics APIs are restricted to only Admin role accounts by default.

Defensive priority

Authenticated users with specific permissions can execute arbitrary commands as root on system VMs and Virtual Routers in Apache CloudStack.

Recommended defensive actions

• Upgrade to Apache CloudStack version 4.20.3.1 or 4.22.1.1 or later
• Restrict access to the getDiagnosticsData and runDiagnostics APIs
• Monitor for suspicious activity on system VMs and Virtual Routers
• Implement compensating controls to limit lateral movement
• Review configurations to ensure access to affected APIs is properly restricted
• Verify that all affected systems are accounted for and that patches or mitigations are applied accordingly
• Implement source tracking and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts

Evidence notes

The CVE-2026-61400 record indicates an Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerability in Apache CloudStack's diagnostics functionality, allowing authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands as root on system VMs and Virtual Routers. Evidence is based on official CVE and NVD records, with limited additional detail.

Official resources