CVE-2026-7579 Overview
CVE-2026-7579 is a hard-coded credentials vulnerability [CWE-259] affecting AstrBotDevs AstrBot versions up to and including 4.16.0. The flaw resides in the authentication logic of the Dashboard component, specifically in the astrbot/dashboard/routes/auth.py file. Attackers can exploit this issue remotely without authentication or user interaction. The exploit details have been disclosed publicly, increasing the risk of opportunistic attacks against exposed AstrBot instances. According to the public disclosure, the vendor was contacted prior to publication but did not respond.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can leverage embedded static credentials in the AstrBot Dashboard to bypass authentication and gain access to the management interface.
Affected Products
- AstrBotDevs AstrBot versions up to 4.16.0
- AstrBot Dashboard component (astrbot/dashboard/routes/auth.py)
- Self-hosted AstrBot deployments exposed to untrusted networks
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-05-01 - CVE-2026-7579 published to NVD
- 2026-05-04 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-7579
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from hard-coded credentials embedded in the AstrBot Dashboard authentication route. The file astrbot/dashboard/routes/auth.py contains static credential values used during the login flow. Because these credentials ship with the application binary and source code, every deployment of AstrBot up to version 4.16.0 shares the same authentication secret.
An attacker who reads the public source code can extract the embedded credentials and replay them against any reachable AstrBot Dashboard. The Dashboard typically grants administrative access to bot configuration, integrations, and message routing. Successful authentication therefore exposes confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the AstrBot instance and any connected messaging platforms.
The Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) currently rates exploitation probability at 0.059% (18.333 percentile), reflecting limited observed activity at disclosure time. Public disclosure of the exploit raises the likelihood of automated scanning for exposed instances.
Root Cause
The root cause is the inclusion of static authentication material directly in source code rather than deriving credentials from per-instance configuration, environment variables, or a secret store. This is a textbook instance of [CWE-259: Use of Hard-coded Password]. Each deployed instance inherits the same secret, eliminating any meaningful authentication boundary.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires no privileges or user interaction. An attacker locates an internet-exposed AstrBot Dashboard, submits a login request to the authentication endpoint defined in auth.py, and supplies the embedded credential value. The Dashboard returns a valid session, granting attacker control over bot operations. See the GitHub Security Advisory GHSA-vrqm-xcfv-286r and the AstrBot Security Advisory for technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-7579
Indicators of Compromise
- Successful Dashboard logins originating from unexpected IP addresses or geolocations
- Authentication events for the default or built-in administrator account when no such account should be active
- Modifications to bot integrations, plugins, or webhook destinations not initiated by an administrator
- Outbound connections from the AstrBot host to unfamiliar messaging endpoints or command-and-control infrastructure
Detection Strategies
- Inspect installed AstrBot versions and flag any instance running 4.16.0 or earlier as vulnerable
- Audit astrbot/dashboard/routes/auth.py for the presence of static credential values referenced in the GitHub Security Advisory
- Review Dashboard access logs for repeated login attempts using the same username from disparate sources
- Correlate login events with subsequent configuration changes to identify post-authentication abuse
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward AstrBot Dashboard authentication and configuration-change logs to a centralized SIEM for correlation
- Alert on any successful authentication from outside the approved administrative network range
- Monitor process execution and outbound network activity on AstrBot hosts for deviations from baseline behavior
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-7579
Immediate Actions Required
- Remove direct internet exposure of the AstrBot Dashboard and place it behind a VPN or reverse proxy with additional authentication
- Rotate all credentials, API tokens, and webhook secrets associated with the AstrBot deployment and connected messaging platforms
- Review Dashboard activity logs for unauthorized access since the instance was first deployed
- Audit the astrbot/dashboard/routes/auth.py file and remove or override any hard-coded credential value
Patch Information
At the time of publication, the AstrBot GitHub repository and the GitHub Security Advisory GHSA-vrqm-xcfv-286r are the authoritative sources for fix availability. The disclosure notes that the vendor did not respond to early outreach, so administrators should monitor the repository for an updated release beyond 4.16.0 and apply it as soon as it ships. Additional context is available in VulDB entry #360420.
Workarounds
- Restrict network access to the Dashboard using firewall rules, allowing only trusted administrative IP ranges
- Place the Dashboard behind an authenticating reverse proxy that enforces multi-factor authentication
- Replace the hard-coded credential in astrbot/dashboard/routes/auth.py with a value sourced from an environment variable or secret manager, then redeploy
- Disable the Dashboard component entirely if it is not required for operations
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
