Splunk
CVE-2026-20163
HIGH
Attack ChainAIDerived
Hypothetical attack flow derived from CVE metadata – not a confirmed exploit chain
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AccessAuthenticate as user with edit_cmd capability
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ExploitAccess /splunkd/__upload/indexing/preview endpoint
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ExecutionInject malicious command in unarchive_cmd parameter
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ImpactExecute arbitrary shell commands on server
Vulnerability Assessment
| Weakness |
CWE
OWASP Top 10:2025
A05:2025 - Injection
ASVS 5.0
V1 - Encoding and Sanitization Command injection prevention
MITRE ATT&CK
1 technique across 1 tactic: Execution The technique list with ATT&CK links and the kill-chain view is part of the Basic plan and up. |
| Exploitation Conditions | User account with high-privilege 'edit_cmd' capability role assigned in Splunk Enterprise (versions <10.2.0, <10.0.4, <9.4.9, <9.3.10) or Splunk Cloud Platform (versions <10.2.2510.5, <10.0.2503.12, <10.1.2507.16, <9.3.2411.124). Requires network access to REST endpoint. |
| Impact | CVSS 7.2 (HIGH). Attack vector: Network. Complexity: Low. Privileges required: High. User interaction: None. |
| Exploit ScenarioDerived | An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to compromise the affected system. |
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Alert meAnalysisAIv1 – Mar 12, 2026
Arbitrary shell command execution in Splunk Enterprise and Cloud Platform allows authenticated users with the edit_cmd capability to inject commands through the unarchive_cmd parameter in the preview upload endpoint. Affected versions include Splunk Enterprise below 10.2.0, 10.0.4, 9.4.9, and 9.3.10, as well as corresponding Cloud Platform versions. An attacker with high-privilege roles could achieve remote code execution on vulnerable systems, though no patch is currently available.
Earlier versions of this analysis (1)
In Splunk Enterprise versions below 10.2.0, 10.0.4, 9.4.9, and 9.3.10, and Splunk Cloud Platform versions below 10.2.2510.5, 10.0.2503.12, 10.1.2507.16, and 9.3.2411.124, a user who holds a role that contains the high-privilege capability edit_cmd could execute arbitrary shell commands using the unarchive_cmd parameter for the /splunkd/__upload/indexing/preview REST endpoint. [CVSS 7.2 HIGH]
RemediationAI
Monitor vendor advisories for a patch. Restrict network access to the affected service where possible.
Affects your stack
Find out whether the stacks and servers you run are on an affected version.
Checking this CVE against your own stacks and servers is part of the Basic plan and up.
Technical ContextAI · show details
Classified as CWE-77 (Command Injection). In Splunk Enterprise versions below 10.2.0, 10.0.4, 9.4.9, and 9.3.10, and Splunk Cloud Platform versions below 10.2.2510.5, 10.0.2503.12, 10.1.2507.16, and 9.3.2411.124, a user who holds a role that contains the high-privilege capability edit_cmd could execute arbitrary shell commands using the unarchive_cmd parameter for the /splunkd/__upload/indexing/preview REST endpoint.
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- Exploit and PoC references, threat intelligence from 22 sources
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Severity by source
AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.
CVSS VectorNVD
DescriptionCVE.org
In Splunk Enterprise versions below 10.2.0, 10.0.4, 9.4.9, and 9.3.10, and Splunk Cloud Platform versions below 10.2.2510.5, 10.0.2503.12, 10.1.2507.16, and 9.3.2411.124, a user who holds a role that contains the high-privilege capability edit_cmd could execute arbitrary shell commands using the unarchive_cmd parameter for the /splunkd/__upload/indexing/preview REST endpoint.
Executive ViewAI
A high-severity vulnerability in Splunk Enterprise and Cloud Platform allows privileged users to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems, potentially enabling data exfiltration, system compromise, or lateral movement within the infrastructure. Organizations using Splunk versions below specified thresholds face immediate risk, particularly if administrative access is distributed across multiple team members or contractors.
Immediately restrict edit_cmd capability assignment to minimal user set; disable the /splunkd/__upload/indexing/preview REST endpoint if not operationally required; implement strict network access controls limiting endpoint access to trusted internal networks only; deploy WAF rules to filter malicious unarchive_cmd payloads; enable enhanced audit logging for all edit_cmd capability usage; monitor for suspicious command execution patterns in Splunk logs.
Threat Intelligence Overview
NVD
CVE.org
EPSS
VulDB
How this decision was reached
The engine reads each signal below and applies a fixed list of rules from top to bottom. The first rule that matches sets the recommended action – like a statement, every line is shown.
What every action level means
SSVC AssessmentENISA
Priority Score
Attack Technique
OS command injection occurs when an application passes unsanitized user input directly into system shell commands.
Affected Products (CPE)CVE.org
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GitHub PoC
Exploit-DB