CVE-2026-44725 emqx CVE debrief

Who should care

Defenders responsible for EMQX deployments, especially those using versions prior to 5.8.11, 5.9.3, 5.10.4, 6.0.3, 6.1.2, and 6.2.1, should assess exposure and prioritize verification and remediation efforts.

Why it matters

This vulnerability in EMQX allows an attacker to install and run attacker-controlled Erlang code with the privileges of the EMQX process. Defenders should prioritize verifying exposure, especially in EMQX deployments using affected versions, and assess the impact on their systems.

• Potential installation of attacker-controlled Erlang code with EMQX process privileges
• Possible unauthorized access to EMQX systems through compromised dashboard administrator credentials or API keys
• Required verification of EMQX version and exposure to this vulnerability
• Necessity to review and update EMQX to fixed versions

Technical summary

The EMQX plugin-install REST API and dashboard upload accepted stale grants created with emqx ctl plugins, allowing an attacker with a compromised dashboard administrator credential or API key to upload attacker-controlled bytes under the allowed .tar.gz filename through POST /api/v5/plugins/install or the dashboard plugin upload. This issue is fixed in versions 5.8.11, 5.9.3, 5.10.4, 6.0.3, 6.1.2, and 6.2.1. The broker then installs and runs attacker-controlled Erlang code with the privileges of the EMQX process. Defenders should prioritize verifying exposure and assessing the impact of this vulnerability on their systems, especially those using EMQX versions prior to 5.8.11, 5.9.3, 5.10.4, 6.0.3, 6.1.2, and 6

Defensive priority

Defenders should prioritize verifying exposure and assessing the impact of this vulnerability on their systems, especially those using EMQX versions prior to 5.8.11, 5.9.3, 5.10.4, 6.0.3, 6.1.2, and 6.2.1.

Recommended defensive actions

• Verify EMQX version and assess exposure
• Review and update EMQX to versions 5.8.11, 5.9.3, 5.10.4, 6.0.3, 6.1.2, or 6.2.1 if necessary
• Monitor for suspicious plugin installations and dashboard activity
• Implement compensating controls to restrict access to the EMQX dashboard and API
• Review the supplied official advisory or CVE record to validate affected scope, severity, and vendor guidance
• Plan vendor-supported updates or mitigations through normal change control where exposure is confirmed
• Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented

Evidence notes

The CVE record and NVD entry provide details about the vulnerability in EMQX, including its description, CVSS score, and affected versions. However, the corpus does not establish versions, exploitation, impact, or remediation beyond the provided information.

Sources and references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.