CVE-2026-50540
Kata Containers path traversal
- Published7 Aug 2026
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 3.1 breakdown
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:NRemediation
No fixed version is recorded in the NVD data. Check the vendor advisory for the latest guidance.
References
Related CVEs
Recent high-severity vulnerabilities sharing a weakness type.
Frequently asked
Is CVE-2026-50540 being actively exploited?
CVE-2026-50540 is not in the CISA KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit probability is 0.61%.
How severe is CVE-2026-50540?
CVE-2026-50540 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.6, rated critical. EPSS estimates a 0.61% probability of exploitation.
How do I fix CVE-2026-50540?
Apply the vendor's patch or advisory guidance, then verify no affected versions remain across your devices.
How Secuno handles this
Secuno correlates vulnerabilities like CVE-2026-50540 against the real software inventory on every managed device, as each hourly inventory arrives. Rather than a static severity, each match is scored in context: exploit availability, EPSS, the asset's exposure, and business criticality decide where it lands in the queue. If an affected version is present anywhere across your portfolio, it surfaces automatically with a prioritised remediation path.
Data from the NVD, CISA KEV catalog and FIRST EPSS. CVSS 3.1 base score shown where available.