Vulnerability Description
Kata Containers is an open source project focusing on a standard implementation of lightweight Virtual Machines (VMs) that perform like containers. Prior to version 4.0.0, kata-runtime is vulnerable to host code execution via an unvalidated configuration path annotation. The runtime accepts an arbitrary io.katacontainers.config_path pod annotation and loads the referenced host TOML file without restriction. As a result, a pod user who can place a file at a host-visible path can supply a configuration that selects an attacker-controlled hypervisor or virtio-fs daemon binary, executing code as root on the host. This issue is fixed in version 4.0.0.
CVSS Score
CRITICAL
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://github.com/kata-containers/kata-containers/commit/03cc670076099530f4e1e9
- https://github.com/kata-containers/kata-containers/security/advisories/GHSA-mp2j
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-50540?
CVE-2026-50540 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 9.6 (CRITICAL). Kata Containers is an open source project focusing on a standard implementation of lightweight Virtual Machines (VMs) that perform like containers. Prior to version 4.0.0, kata-runtime is vulnerable t...
How severe is CVE-2026-50540?
CVE-2026-50540 has been rated CRITICAL with a CVSS base score of 9.6/10. This is considered a critical vulnerability requiring immediate attention.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-50540?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.