CVE-2026-7468: Smart-Admin Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2026-7468 Overview

A security vulnerability has been identified in 1024-lab smart-admin up to version 3.30.0. This improper access controls vulnerability affects an unknown function of the file /smart-admin-api/druid/index.html within the Demo Site component. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass access controls without authentication, potentially exposing sensitive database monitoring information through the Druid monitoring interface.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers can exploit improper access controls to gain unauthorized access to the Druid monitoring interface, potentially exposing database connection details, SQL query statistics, and sensitive operational information.

Affected Products

• 1024-lab smart-admin up to version 3.30.0
• smart-admin Demo Site component
• /smart-admin-api/druid/index.html endpoint

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-04-30 - CVE-2026-7468 published to NVD
• 2026-04-30 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-7468

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from improper access controls (CWE-266: Incorrect Privilege Assignment) in the smart-admin application's Druid monitoring interface. The affected endpoint at /smart-admin-api/druid/index.html lacks proper authentication and authorization checks, allowing unauthenticated remote users to access the Druid monitoring dashboard.

Druid is a popular database connection pool monitoring tool that provides detailed insights into database connections, SQL query execution, and performance metrics. When exposed without proper access controls, attackers can gather valuable reconnaissance information about the underlying database infrastructure.

The exploit has been publicly disclosed and the vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without requiring user interaction or authentication credentials. The project maintainers were notified through a GitHub Issue #117 but have not yet responded.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is the absence of proper authentication and authorization mechanisms protecting the Druid monitoring endpoint. The application fails to verify user credentials or validate access permissions before serving the Druid monitoring interface, effectively making it publicly accessible to any remote attacker.

This type of misconfiguration is common in administrative interfaces that are inadvertently exposed in production environments or demo sites without proper security hardening.

Attack Vector

The attack can be initiated remotely over the network. An attacker simply needs to navigate to the exposed Druid endpoint at /smart-admin-api/druid/index.html to gain unauthorized access. The attack requires no authentication, no user interaction, and has low complexity to execute.

Once accessed, attackers can view:

• Database connection pool statistics
• SQL query execution history
• Performance metrics and timing information
• Potentially sensitive connection string details

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-7468

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected HTTP requests to /smart-admin-api/druid/index.html from external IP addresses
• Unusual access patterns to Druid monitoring endpoints outside normal administrative hours
• Multiple requests to Druid-related paths from unknown or suspicious IP addresses
• Web server logs showing successful responses (HTTP 200) to unauthenticated Druid endpoint requests

Detection Strategies

• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to monitor and alert on access to /smart-admin-api/druid/ paths
• Configure intrusion detection systems (IDS) to flag requests targeting administrative monitoring endpoints
• Enable detailed access logging for all API endpoints and review for unauthorized access attempts
• Deploy network monitoring to detect reconnaissance activities targeting administrative interfaces

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive HTTP access logging for the smart-admin application
• Set up automated alerts for any external access to Druid monitoring endpoints
• Regularly audit application access logs for signs of unauthorized access attempts
• Monitor for scanning activities targeting common administrative paths and monitoring interfaces

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-7468

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict network access to the Druid monitoring interface by implementing IP whitelisting or firewall rules
• Disable public access to the Demo Site if it is not required for operations
• Implement authentication requirements for all administrative endpoints including Druid monitoring
• Review application configuration to ensure administrative interfaces are not exposed to untrusted networks

Patch Information

At the time of publication, the vendor has not released an official patch for this vulnerability. The project was notified through GitHub Issue #117 but has not yet responded. Users should monitor the smart-admin GitHub repository for updates and apply patches as soon as they become available.

Additional technical details can be found at VulDB #360204.

Workarounds

• Configure web server or reverse proxy rules to block external access to /smart-admin-api/druid/* paths
• Implement authentication middleware to require valid credentials before accessing Druid endpoints
• Deploy the application behind a VPN or internal network to limit exposure
• Disable the Druid monitoring interface entirely if it is not required for operational purposes

# Example nginx configuration to restrict Druid access
location /smart-admin-api/druid/ {
    # Allow only internal network access
    allow 10.0.0.0/8;
    allow 172.16.0.0/12;
    allow 192.168.0.0/16;
    deny all;
    
    # Or require basic authentication
    # auth_basic "Restricted Access";
    # auth_basic_user_file /etc/nginx/.htpasswd;
}