CVE-2026-50540: Kata Containers: Config Path Annotation Arbitrary File Loading
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.configpath 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.
Other sources
Kata Containers: Config Path Annotation Arbitrary File Loading
— Microsoft
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 3.32.0.kata0-3 - Upgrade
Upgrade
Kata Containers (kata-runtime)to a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 4.0.0Patch CVE-2026-50540
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-50540?
The severity of CVE-2026-50540 is classified as critical with a score of 9.6.
How do I fix CVE-2026-50540?
To fix CVE-2026-50540, upgrade to Kata Containers version 4.0.0 or later.
What types of vulnerabilities are associated with CVE-2026-50540?
CVE-2026-50540 is associated with input validation and path traversal vulnerabilities.
What impact does CVE-2026-50540 have on systems using Kata Containers?
CVE-2026-50540 can lead to arbitrary file loading and potential host code execution.
Is CVE-2026-50540 exploitable remotely?
Yes, CVE-2026-50540 is exploitable remotely as it involves vulnerabilities within the kata-runtime.