CVE-2026-23498: Shopware RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2026-23498 Overview

Shopware is an open commerce platform that powers e-commerce websites worldwide. A security vulnerability has been identified in Shopware versions 6.7.0.0 to before 6.7.6.1, representing a regression of the previously patched CVE-2023-2017. This code injection vulnerability allows attackers to bypass security controls through crafted PHP Closures and array callables that are not properly validated against the allow list in the map() function override within the Twig SecurityExtension.

Critical Impact

Attackers with high privileges can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on affected Shopware installations, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, and unauthorized access to sensitive e-commerce data.

Affected Products

• Shopware versions 6.7.0.0 to 6.7.6.0
• Shopware Open Commerce Platform (pre-6.7.6.1)
• Self-hosted and cloud deployments running vulnerable versions

Discovery Timeline

• January 14, 2026 - CVE-2026-23498 published to NVD
• January 16, 2026 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-23498

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code - Code Injection). The flaw exists within the Twig SecurityExtension component of Shopware, specifically in how the map() function handles array callables and PHP Closures.

The root issue is a regression of CVE-2023-2017, where the security fix was incomplete or inadvertently reverted. When processing the map() function override, the system fails to properly validate array-based callable functions against the security allow list. This allows an attacker to craft malicious PHP Closures that bypass the intended security restrictions, enabling arbitrary code execution within the Twig template engine context.

The vulnerability requires network access and high privileges to exploit, but once exploited, can result in complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Root Cause

The vulnerability stems from improper handling of array callables in the SecurityExtension.php file. When a function is passed as an array (a valid PHP callable format like ['ClassName', 'methodName']), the original code did not convert it to a string format before checking against the allowed PHP functions list. This meant array-based callables could bypass the security validation entirely, as the in_array() check only worked with string function names.

Attack Vector

An authenticated attacker with high-level privileges can exploit this vulnerability through the Twig templating system by:

1. Crafting a malicious array callable or PHP Closure
2. Passing it to the map() function in a Twig template
3. Bypassing the security allow list validation
4. Executing arbitrary PHP code on the server

The attack requires network access and elevated privileges within the Shopware administration interface, making it a post-authentication attack vector.

// Security patch - fix for array callables in SecurityExtension.php
// Source: https://github.com/shopware/shopware/commit/3966b05590e29432b8485ba47b4fcd14dd0b8475

             return null;
         }
 
+        if (\is_array($function)) {
+            $function = implode('::', $function);
+            \assert(\is_callable($function));
+        }
+
         if (\is_string($function) && !\in_array($function, $this->allowedPHPFunctions, true)) {
             throw AdapterException::securityFunctionNotAllowed($function);
         }

Source: GitHub Commit 3966b05

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-23498

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual Twig template modifications or injections containing array callable syntax
• Unexpected PHP function calls originating from the Twig rendering engine
• Administrative account activity involving template editing or custom Twig code execution
• Server logs showing PHP errors related to SecurityExtension.php or unauthorized function calls

Detection Strategies

• Monitor Shopware application logs for attempts to use array callables in Twig templates
• Implement file integrity monitoring on src/Core/Framework/Adapter/Twig/SecurityExtension.php
• Review administrative user actions for suspicious template modifications
• Deploy web application firewall rules to detect code injection patterns in POST requests to admin endpoints

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for the Shopware administration panel and Twig template processing
• Set up alerts for any modifications to core Shopware security components
• Monitor for unusual outbound network connections from the web server that could indicate successful exploitation
• Regularly audit privileged user accounts for unauthorized access or compromised credentials

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-23498

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade Shopware to version 6.7.6.1 or later immediately
• Review administrative user accounts and revoke unnecessary privileges
• Audit recent Twig template changes for any suspicious array callable usage
• Implement network segmentation to limit exposure of Shopware administrative interfaces

Patch Information

Shopware has released version 6.7.6.1 which addresses this vulnerability. The fix properly converts array callables to string format before validating against the allowed PHP functions list, ensuring consistent security enforcement regardless of callable format.

For detailed patch information, refer to the GitHub Security Advisory GHSA-7cw6-7h3h-v8pf and the security commit.

Workarounds

• Restrict access to the Shopware administration interface to trusted networks only
• Implement additional authentication layers (MFA) for administrative accounts
• Review and minimize the number of users with template editing privileges
• Consider deploying a web application firewall to filter potentially malicious requests

# Configuration example - Restrict admin access by IP
# Add to your web server configuration (nginx example)
location /admin {
    allow 192.168.1.0/24;  # Trusted internal network
    allow 10.0.0.0/8;       # VPN network
    deny all;
    
    # Additional security headers
    add_header X-Content-Type-Options nosniff;
    add_header X-Frame-Options SAMEORIGIN;
}