Vulnerability Description
A logic vulnerability (fail-open condition) has been identified within the Metasploit Framework's JSON-RPC web service interface. When an exception occurs during the database health check (db.check) and the environment variable MSF_WS_JSON_RPC_API_TOKEN is not explicitly set, the application resets the internal state flag msf.auth_initialized to false. The ApiToken Warden authentication strategy misinterprets this false value as an indicator that authentication is not initialized or required, thereby granting unauthenticated local access to the JSON-RPC request dispatcher.
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://github.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/pull/21768
- https://www.rapid7.com/blog/post/pt-metasploit-wrap-up-lot-of-summer-shells-and-
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-16895?
CVE-2026-16895 is a documented vulnerability. A logic vulnerability (fail-open condition) has been identified within the Metasploit Framework's JSON-RPC web service interface. When an exception occurs during the database health check (db.check) a...
How severe is CVE-2026-16895?
CVSS scoring is not yet available for CVE-2026-16895. Check NVD for updates.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-16895?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.