CVE-2026-2531 Overview
A Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability has been identified in MindsDB versions up to and including 25.14.1. This vulnerability affects the clear_filename function within the file mindsdb/utilities/security.py of the File Upload component. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to manipulate server-side requests, potentially enabling access to internal resources, data exfiltration, or further attacks on backend systems.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers with low privileges can exploit this SSRF vulnerability to forge server-side requests, potentially accessing internal services, cloud metadata endpoints, or sensitive internal network resources.
Affected Products
- MindsDB versions up to and including 25.14.1
- MindsDB File Upload component (mindsdb/utilities/security.py)
- Systems using the vulnerable clear_filename function
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-02-16 - CVE-2026-2531 published to NVD
- 2026-02-19 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-2531
Vulnerability Analysis
This Server-Side Request Forgery vulnerability exists in the File Upload component of MindsDB, specifically within the clear_filename function located in mindsdb/utilities/security.py. The vulnerability allows authenticated remote attackers to manipulate the application into making unintended server-side requests to arbitrary destinations.
SSRF vulnerabilities in file upload handlers are particularly dangerous as they can be leveraged to probe internal network infrastructure, access cloud service metadata endpoints (such as AWS IMDSv1 at 169.254.169.254), or interact with internal APIs that are not exposed to the public internet. The network-accessible attack vector combined with low privilege requirements means that any authenticated user could potentially exploit this weakness.
The vulnerability has been publicly disclosed, and exploit information is available, which increases the risk of exploitation in the wild. Organizations running affected versions should prioritize patching to mitigate potential unauthorized access to internal resources.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation and sanitization within the clear_filename function. The function fails to properly validate and restrict user-supplied input during file upload operations, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs or file paths that trigger server-side requests to attacker-controlled or internal destinations.
The absence of proper URL validation, allowlisting of permitted destinations, or restrictions on request types enables the SSRF condition. This is classified under CWE-918 (Server-Side Request Forgery).
Attack Vector
The attack can be performed remotely over the network by authenticated users. An attacker exploits the vulnerability through the File Upload component by crafting malicious input that bypasses the clear_filename security function. The manipulated input causes the MindsDB server to initiate HTTP requests to internal or external resources on behalf of the attacker.
Typical exploitation scenarios include:
- Accessing internal services that are not directly reachable from external networks
- Querying cloud provider metadata services to obtain credentials or configuration data
- Port scanning internal network infrastructure
- Bypassing firewall restrictions by using the MindsDB server as a proxy
The vulnerability requires low privileges to exploit, meaning any authenticated user account can potentially leverage this flaw.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-2531
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual outbound HTTP requests originating from the MindsDB server to internal IP ranges (e.g., 10.0.0.0/8, 172.16.0.0/12, 192.168.0.0/16)
- Requests to cloud metadata endpoints such as 169.254.169.254 from the MindsDB application
- Anomalous file upload activity with URLs or path-like strings in filename parameters
- Server logs showing connections to unexpected internal services or ports
Detection Strategies
- Monitor MindsDB application logs for file upload requests containing URL schemes (http://, https://, file://) in filename fields
- Implement network-level monitoring to detect outbound connections from the MindsDB server to internal IP ranges or metadata services
- Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to inspect and block file upload requests containing SSRF payloads
- Use SIEM correlation rules to alert on patterns indicative of SSRF exploitation attempts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging for the MindsDB File Upload component to capture all file operation parameters
- Configure network segmentation monitoring to detect lateral movement attempts originating from the MindsDB server
- Implement egress filtering and monitor for violations from the MindsDB application tier
- Review authentication logs for accounts exhibiting suspicious file upload patterns
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-2531
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade MindsDB to a patched version that includes commit 74d6f0fd4b630218519a700fbee1c05c7fd4b1ed
- Review the GitHub Pull Request #12213 for patch details and apply immediately
- Audit recent file upload activity for indicators of exploitation
- Implement network-level restrictions to limit outbound connections from the MindsDB server
Patch Information
A security patch is available that addresses this SSRF vulnerability. The fix is identified by commit hash 74d6f0fd4b630218519a700fbee1c05c7fd4b1ed and is tracked in GitHub Pull Request #12213. Organizations should apply this patch as soon as possible to remediate the vulnerability.
Additional details about the vulnerability can be found in GitHub Issue #12163 and the VulDB entry #346119.
Workarounds
- Implement strict network egress filtering to prevent the MindsDB server from initiating connections to internal networks or sensitive endpoints
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with SSRF protection rules in front of the MindsDB application
- Restrict file upload functionality to trusted users only until the patch can be applied
- Consider temporarily disabling the File Upload component if it is not critical to operations
# Example: Network egress filtering using iptables
# Block MindsDB from accessing internal metadata services
iptables -A OUTPUT -d 169.254.169.254 -j DROP
# Block access to internal RFC1918 ranges (adjust as needed for your environment)
iptables -A OUTPUT -d 10.0.0.0/8 -j DROP
iptables -A OUTPUT -d 172.16.0.0/12 -j DROP
iptables -A OUTPUT -d 192.168.0.0/16 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
