CVE-2026-74044: Wazuh 4.0.0 < 4.14.6 Path Traversal Arbitrary Directory Deletion via Cluster Hello
Wazuh 4.0.0 before 4.14.6 contains a path traversal vulnerability that allows authenticated cluster peers to delete arbitrary directory contents by supplying a traversal-shaped node name in the cluster hello payload without validation. Attackers holding a valid cluster Fernet key can craft a malicious node name and disconnect, triggering the master's peer cleanup routine to remove the contents of arbitrary directories within the Wazuh installation path writable by the wazuh user.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
Wazuhto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 4.14.6
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
Which deployments are exposed?
Systems running Wazuh versions from 4.0.0 through versions before 4.14.6 are affected when they operate in a cluster and accept peer connections. Exploitation is limited to directories under the Wazuh installation path that are writable by the wazuh user.
What access does an attacker need to exploit this?
An attacker needs a valid cluster Fernet key and must be able to authenticate as a cluster peer. They can send a cluster hello payload with a traversal-shaped node name, then disconnect to trigger cleanup on the master.
What should be done if immediate patching is not possible?
Upgrade to Wazuh 4.14.6 or later. If upgrading cannot happen immediately, protect and rotate the cluster Fernet key to prevent unauthorized systems from authenticating as cluster peers.