CVE-2026-25044 Overview
CVE-2026-25044 is a command injection vulnerability in Budibase, an open-source low-code platform for building internal tools and business applications. Prior to version 3.33.4, the bash automation step executes user-provided commands using execSync without proper sanitization or validation. User input is processed through processStringSync which allows template interpolation, potentially allowing arbitrary command execution on the underlying server.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary system commands on the Budibase server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within the network.
Affected Products
- Budibase versions prior to 3.33.4
- Budibase self-hosted deployments using bash automation steps
- Budibase cloud instances with user-created automations
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-04-03 - CVE-2026-25044 published to NVD
- 2026-04-08 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-25044
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-78 (OS Command Injection), a critical security flaw that allows attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the host server. The issue stems from Budibase's bash automation feature, which is designed to allow users to execute shell commands as part of workflow automations.
The core problem lies in the processStringSync function, which processes user input and allows template interpolation before the command is passed to Node.js's execSync function. This template processing mechanism enables attackers to inject malicious commands that escape the intended command context. Since the vulnerability requires authentication but can be exploited remotely over the network, any authenticated user with access to create automations could potentially compromise the entire server infrastructure.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient input sanitization in the bash automation step implementation. The processStringSync function allows template interpolation on user-controlled input before it reaches execSync. This creates a classic command injection scenario where attackers can break out of the intended command structure and inject their own arbitrary commands.
The lack of proper input validation, command whitelisting, or sandboxing means that malicious payloads can be crafted to execute any command with the privileges of the Budibase process. This architectural flaw demonstrates the dangers of passing user input directly to shell execution functions without rigorous sanitization.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires low-privilege authentication. An attacker with a valid Budibase account can create or modify an automation workflow containing a bash step. By crafting malicious template strings within the bash command configuration, the attacker can inject shell metacharacters and additional commands.
Common injection techniques include command chaining using operators like ;, &&, or ||, as well as command substitution using $() or backticks. The template interpolation feature may also provide additional injection vectors through the templating syntax itself.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-25044
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual automation workflows created with bash steps containing shell metacharacters
- Unexpected process spawning from the Budibase application process
- Outbound network connections from the Budibase server to unknown destinations
- Creation of new files or modification of system files by the Budibase process
Detection Strategies
- Monitor automation workflow creation and modification events for suspicious bash commands
- Implement application-level logging for all bash automation executions
- Deploy endpoint detection solutions to identify anomalous child process creation
- Review Budibase audit logs for unauthorized automation configuration changes
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive logging for the Budibase application and underlying host
- Monitor for unusual execSync or shell process invocations from Node.js processes
- Set up alerts for automation workflows containing common injection patterns
- Implement network monitoring to detect command-and-control communications
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-25044
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Budibase to version 3.33.4 or later immediately
- Review all existing automation workflows for suspicious bash step configurations
- Audit user accounts with automation creation privileges
- Consider temporarily disabling bash automation steps until patching is complete
Patch Information
The vulnerability has been patched in Budibase version 3.33.4. The fix implements proper sanitization and validation of user input before it is processed by the bash automation step. Organizations should upgrade to this version or later to remediate the vulnerability.
For detailed information about the security fix, refer to the GitHub Security Advisory GHSA-gjw9-34gf-rp6m.
Workarounds
- Disable the bash automation step feature entirely if not required for business operations
- Restrict automation creation privileges to trusted administrator accounts only
- Implement network segmentation to limit the blast radius of potential exploitation
- Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) to filter malicious automation payloads
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
