CVE-2026-5490 Overview
CVE-2026-5490 is a SQL injection vulnerability in DriveLock that enables authenticated remote attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations. The flaw resides in the DriveLock web service, which listens on TCP port 4568 by default. The service fails to properly validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. Attackers with valid low-privilege credentials can inject SQL statements to access resources normally restricted from their user context. The Zero Day Initiative tracked this issue as ZDI-CAN-28726 and published advisory ZDI-26-286. The weakness is classified under CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can escalate privileges by injecting SQL through the DriveLock web service on TCP port 4568, gaining access to protected resources and data.
Affected Products
- DriveLock (web service component listening on TCP port 4568)
- Refer to the DriveLock Security Bulletin for specific affected versions
- See the Zero Day Initiative Advisory ZDI-26-286 for additional technical scope
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-07-29 - CVE-2026-5490 published to NVD
- 2026-07-30 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-5490
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-5490 affects the DriveLock web service, a network-facing component bound to TCP port 4568. An authenticated user can send a crafted request containing malicious SQL syntax within a string parameter. The service concatenates this input directly into a SQL query without adequate validation or parameterization. The database engine then executes the attacker-controlled statement in the context of the service account.
Successful exploitation grants attackers the ability to read or modify records they should not access, including administrative records. This effectively converts a low-privilege authenticated session into elevated access over data managed by DriveLock. The vulnerability requires network reachability to the web service port and valid credentials of any privilege level.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements in a SQL command [CWE-89]. Developer code passes user-controlled string values into query construction without prepared statements or input sanitization. Any character with SQL semantics, such as single quotes, comment markers, or union operators, is interpreted by the database engine rather than treated as literal data.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based against the DriveLock web service on TCP port 4568. The attacker authenticates with valid credentials, then submits a request whose parameter contains SQL metacharacters and payload logic. No user interaction is required beyond the attacker's own request. Because the flaw operates at the query layer, standard credentials suffice to reach the injection point. Real exploitation code is not published; refer to the Zero Day Initiative Advisory ZDI-26-286 for coordinated disclosure details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-5490
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected authenticated requests to the DriveLock web service on TCP port 4568 containing SQL metacharacters such as ', --, ;, or UNION SELECT.
- Database audit log entries showing queries with concatenated string content originating from the DriveLock service account.
- Escalated permissions or new administrative role assignments in DriveLock without corresponding change-management records.
Detection Strategies
- Enable verbose logging on the DriveLock web service and correlate request bodies against SQL injection signatures.
- Deploy a web application firewall in front of TCP port 4568 with rules targeting known SQL injection patterns.
- Inspect database server logs for anomalous query structures or errors originating from the DriveLock application account.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on any authenticated DriveLock session that issues requests containing SQL keywords in parameter values.
- Track privilege changes and sensitive record reads inside the DriveLock database and correlate with source user identity.
- Baseline normal request patterns to the web service and flag deviations in payload length or character distribution.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-5490
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fix described in the DriveLock Security Bulletin 26-002 to all DriveLock installations exposing the web service.
- Restrict network access to TCP port 4568 so that only administrative networks can reach the DriveLock web service.
- Rotate credentials for any accounts that may have been used to access the service since the vulnerability window opened.
Patch Information
DriveLock has published fixed builds through the DriveLock Security Bulletin 26-002. Administrators should consult the bulletin to identify the specific fixed version corresponding to their deployment, then upgrade through DriveLock's standard update mechanism. The Zero Day Initiative coordinates disclosure through ZDI-26-286.
Workarounds
- Block TCP port 4568 at the network perimeter and permit access only from trusted management hosts using firewall access-control lists.
- Enforce least-privilege on DriveLock accounts so that compromised low-privilege sessions have reduced blast radius.
- Increase audit logging on the DriveLock database and monitor for unexpected query patterns until the patch is applied.
# Example firewall rule to restrict access to the DriveLock web service
# Replace <mgmt_subnet> with your administrative network range
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 4568 -s <mgmt_subnet> -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 4568 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
