CVE-2026-14852: mk_sap_hana: Privilege escalation via crafted sapstartsrv process name
Privilege escalation in Checkmk versions 2.5.0 before 2.5.0p9, 2.4.0 before 2.4.0p34, 2.3.0 before 2.3.0p49, and 2.2.0 (EOL) allows a local unprivileged user to execute arbitrary commands as root by starting a process crafted to look like a SAP HANA instance. Without an explicit database configuration, the mksaphana agent plugin derives instance identifiers from the process list and uses them to build a command executed with elevated privileges (requires the plugin to run as root with RUNAS=agent).
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
Checkmkto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2.5.0p9 - Upgrade
Upgrade
Checkmkto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2.4.0p34 - Upgrade
Upgrade
Checkmkto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2.3.0p49 - Configuration
Ensure the mk_sap_hana agent plugin does not run as root (it requires root with RUNAS=agent to execute the crafted command with elevated privileges).
Checkmk mk_sap_hana agent plugin RUNAS = agent (avoid root execution) - Compensating control
Apply host hardening/containment to prevent unprivileged local users from being able to start or influence crafted processes that would be interpreted by mk_sap_hana (since instance identifiers are derived from the process list).
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-14852?
CVE-2026-14852 has a medium severity rating of 5.2 according to the CVSS score.
How do I fix CVE-2026-14852?
To address CVE-2026-14852, update Checkmk to version 2.5.0p9 or later, 2.4.0p34 or later, or 2.3.0p49 or later.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-14852?
CVE-2026-14852 is classified as an OS Command Injection vulnerability.
Who is affected by CVE-2026-14852?
CVE-2026-14852 affects local unprivileged users of Checkmk versions prior to the specified updates.
What can attackers do with CVE-2026-14852?
Attackers can exploit CVE-2026-14852 to execute arbitrary commands as root by crafting a specific sapstartsrv process name.