PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief
CVE-2026-92718 projectdiscovery CVE debrief
CVE-2026-92718 Nuclei Template Signature Verification Bypass. Nuclei versions before 3.11.1 are vulnerable to a template signature verification bypass due to caching based solely on file modification time without content checksums. This allows attackers to replace verified templates with unsigned malicious content and restore the original modification time, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. Defenders should assess exposure, prioritize updating to version 3.11.1 or later, and inventory their deployments. Security teams and Nuclei users should be aware of the potential for attackers to exploit this vulnerability.
- Vendor
- projectdiscovery
- Product
- nuclei
- CVSS
- HIGH 7
- CISA KEV
- Not listed in stored evidence
- Original CVE published
- 2026-09-16
- Original CVE updated
- 2026-09-18
- Advisory published
- 2026-09-16
- Advisory updated
- 2026-09-18
Who should care
Defenders responsible for Nuclei installations, particularly those using versions before 3.11.1, should assess exposure and prioritize updating to the latest version. Security teams and Nuclei users should be aware of the potential for attackers to exploit this vulnerability, leading to possible code execution.
Why it matters
CVE-2026-92718 is a high-severity vulnerability in Nuclei that allows attackers to bypass template signature verification, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. Defenders should prioritize updating Nuclei installations to version 3.11.1 or later and inventory their deployments to assess exposure.
- Potential execution of arbitrary operating system commands due to bypassed template signature verification.
- Possible compromise of Nuclei installations through malicious template replacements.
- Need for verification of Nuclei version and inventory of installations to identify exposure.
- Priority on updating Nuclei to version 3.11.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Technical summary
Nuclei versions before 3.11.1 are vulnerable to a template signature verification bypass. The vulnerability arises from the reliance on file modification time alone for caching template signature verification, without considering content checksums. This allows attackers to replace verified templates with unsigned malicious content and restore the original modification time, effectively bypassing signature checks and potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary operating system commands.
Defensive priority
High
Recommended defensive actions
- Review and update Nuclei to version 3.11.1 or later to ensure template signature verification is properly enforced.
- Inventory Nuclei installations to identify potential exposure.
- Monitor for suspicious template usage or modifications.
- Verify Nuclei version and assess exposure in your environment.
- Implement compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified.
- Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented.
- Review relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review.
Evidence notes
The CVE record and NVD entry provide details on the vulnerability in Nuclei versions before 3.11.1, where template signature verification is bypassed due to reliance on file modification time without content checksums.
Sources and references
Verified primary and authoritative sources
-
CVE-2026-92718 CVE Program record
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-92718
CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.
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CVE-2026-92718 NVD vulnerability detail
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-92718
NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.
Supplemental references
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei
-
Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei/blob/v3.11.0/pkg/catalog/index/metadata.go
-
Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei/blob/v3.11.0/pkg/templates/compile.go
-
Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei/commit/9de96e4dda5a03da963b9ae6582f03ea55791a76
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei/issues/7663
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/nuclei-from-3.7.0-before-3.11.1-template-signature-bypass-via-modification-time-only-cache
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.