CVE-2026-7373: Metasploit Pro on Windows: Local Privilege Escalation via OpenSSL Configuration File Loading

Published May 15, 2026
·
Updated

Rapid7 Metasploit Pro is vulnerable to a local privilege escalation attack that allows a user to gain SYSTEM level control of a Windows host. When started the metasploitPostgreSQL service would start the postgres.exe child process which would in turn load an OpenSSL configuration file from a static location. This static location would be writable by a pre-existing "vagrant" user, if they already existed on the system. Metasploit does not create local accounts, an Administrator would need to create it. By planting a crafted openssl.cnf file an attacker can trick the high-privilege service into executing arbitrary commands. This effectively permits the unprivileged vagrant user to bypass security controls and achieve a full host compromise under the agent's SYSTEM level access.

Affected Software

1 affected component
Rapid7 Metasploit Pro (Windows)

Event History

May 15, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·02:06 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·02:06 AM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·03:16 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-7373?

CVE-2026-7373 is classified as a high severity vulnerability due to its potential for local privilege escalation on Windows systems.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-7373?

To fix CVE-2026-7373, users should update to the latest version of Rapid7 Metasploit Pro that addresses this vulnerability.

3

Who is affected by CVE-2026-7373?

CVE-2026-7373 affects users of Rapid7 Metasploit Pro on Windows systems running the PostgreSQL service at startup.

4

What type of attack does CVE-2026-7373 enable?

CVE-2026-7373 enables a local privilege escalation attack, allowing unauthorized users to gain SYSTEM level control.

5

When was CVE-2026-7373 disclosed?

CVE-2026-7373 was disclosed as part of ongoing security assessments relating to Rapid7 Metasploit Pro.

Contact

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