CVE-2026-48191 Overview
CVE-2026-48191 is an information disclosure vulnerability in STORM powered by OTRS and in OTRS versions 2026.x and earlier. The flaw resides in the Document Search Article Meta Filters modules. Improper permission handling [CWE-276] allows authenticated users to learn the number of affected Configuration Items (CIs), Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and services without being authorized to access those records. The disclosure is metadata-only and does not expose the underlying record content. The issue carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 3.5.
Critical Impact
Authenticated users can enumerate counts of CIs, SLAs, and services outside their access scope, enabling reconnaissance of restricted ITSM data.
Affected Products
- OTRS and STORM powered by OTRS 7.0.X
- OTRS and STORM powered by OTRS 8.0.X, 2023.X, 2024.X, 2025.X
- OTRS and STORM powered by OTRS 2026.X before 2026.4.X
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-01 - CVE-2026-48191 published to NVD
- 2026-06-01 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-48191
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability exists in the Document Search functionality of OTRS and STORM powered by OTRS. The Article Meta Filters modules return aggregated counts of matching Configuration Items, Service Level Agreements, and services. The permission check is applied to record content retrieval but not to the count aggregation logic. An authenticated user with low privileges can submit search filters and observe response counts that reflect records they are not authorized to view.
The leak is metadata-only. Users learn that a number of restricted CIs, SLAs, or services exist that match a given filter, without retrieving names, identifiers, or attribute values. This still aids reconnaissance of ITSM environments, particularly in multi-tenant or segmented OTRS deployments where service catalog topology is itself sensitive.
The weakness maps to CWE-276 Incorrect Default Permissions. Exploitation requires network access to the OTRS web interface, a valid low-privileged account, and user interaction. No integrity or availability impact has been identified.
Root Cause
The Document Search Article Meta Filters modules omit access control validation when computing aggregate counters. Permission filtering is enforced downstream during result rendering, but the counter path bypasses the same enforcement.
Attack Vector
An authenticated attacker issues crafted Document Search queries that constrain results by CI, SLA, or service. The response includes counts that reflect restricted records. Iterating filters allows enumeration of approximate volumes and relationships in the ITSM data model.
No verified proof-of-concept code is published. Technical specifics are documented in the OTRS Security Advisory 2026-05.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-48191
Indicators of Compromise
- Repeated Document Search requests from a single authenticated session that iterate filter values across CI, SLA, or service fields.
- Search activity from accounts that do not normally interact with the ITSM catalog or service desk modules.
- Anomalous volume of AgentTicketSearch or Document Search endpoint hits returning aggregate counts but few rendered records.
Detection Strategies
- Enable verbose access logging on the OTRS web frontend and ingest logs into a centralized analytics platform for filter-pattern analysis.
- Baseline normal Document Search usage per role and alert on deviations in query frequency, filter diversity, or off-hours activity.
- Correlate user role membership with the scope of CIs and services referenced in search filters to flag enumeration attempts.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward OTRS application and web server logs to a SIEM such as Singularity Data Lake for retention and query.
- Monitor for low-privileged accounts issuing high-cardinality search queries within short time windows.
- Review audit trails for accounts that recently received reduced permissions yet continue probing restricted catalogs.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-48191
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade OTRS and STORM powered by OTRS deployments to version 2026.4.X or later.
- Audit user accounts on the 7.0.X, 8.0.X, 2023.X, 2024.X, 2025.X, and pre-2026.4 release branches and disable inactive low-privileged users.
- Restrict network access to the OTRS web interface to trusted segments or VPN clients until patching completes.
Patch Information
OTRS published the fix in version 2026.4.X. Customers running supported earlier branches should consult the OTRS Security Advisory 2026-05 for backport availability and upgrade guidance.
Workarounds
- Remove Document Search permissions from roles that do not require ITSM data access until the upgrade is applied.
- Limit the Article Meta Filters module exposure through role configuration where possible.
- Increase log retention and review for suspicious search patterns during the remediation window.
# Configuration example
# Refer to OTRS Security Advisory 2026-05 for exact upgrade commands
# https://otrs.com/release-notes/otrs-security-advisory-2026-05/
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
