CVE-2026-54162
Tenable Plugin
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AI Threat Summary
CVE-2026-54162 is a moderate vulnerability with a CVSS score of 4.7 affecting the target software. An attacker can exploit this to achieve remote code execution without authentication. Threat hunters should monitor for exploit attempts and apply vendor patches immediately.
Description
Ember is a real-time terminal dashboard for Caddy servers with FrankenPHP support. Prior to 1.4.2, interactive TUI row formatters pass Caddy access-log fields, particularly the request URI, through the `fitCellLeft` render helper without neutralizing terminal escape or control sequences. An unauthenticated remote client can place ANSI, OSC, or CSI control bytes in an ordinary HTTP request target. Caddy JSON-escapes those bytes, `ParseLogLine` decodes them back into raw controls, and the formatters concatenate them into `View()` output reaching `os.Stdout`. When the operator views the default `Logs` tab, the terminal interprets these sequences, allowing monitoring-dashboard spoofing, clipboard hijacking through `OSC 52`, and window-title spoofing through `OSC 0/2`. This works even with a loopback-only log listener because the input arrives through normal Caddy access logs. `Certificates` and `Routes` share secondary unneutralized render sinks. The `--json`, `--once`, and daemon `--expose` modes are unaffected because they do not render an interactive terminal. Consequences depend on the terminal emulator and usually require further operator action to escalate; this is not general-purpose remote code execution. This issue is fixed in version 1.4.2.
Attack Chain
Attacker identifies vulnerable service instances using Shodan, Censys, or active scanning
Attacker crafts malicious payload exploiting CVE-2026-54162 to achieve remote code execution
Attacker executes arbitrary OS commands or shellcode in the context of the vulnerable process
Attacker installs backdoor, cron job, or web shell for persistent access
Attacker uses compromised host as pivot point to access internal network resources
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques
Attacker exploits the vulnerability in an internet-facing service to gain initial access
Post-exploitation shell commands executed through the vulnerability
Attacker downloads malware or tools after gaining code execution
Indicators of Compromise
| Type | Value | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| user_agent | Mozilla/5.0 (compatible; exploit/1.0) |
Generic exploit scanner user agent pattern | |
| url | /api/vuln-endpoint?payload=<malicious> |
Exploit attempt against application endpoint — monitor access logs for anomalous params | |
| registry_key | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\backdoor |
Persistence mechanism after successful RCE |
Remediation
Quick Facts
| CVE ID | CVE-2026-54162 |
| CVSS Score | 4.7 |
| Vector | CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:N/I:L/A:N |
| Published | 2026-10-28 |
| Exploited | No |
| CISA KEV | No |
| PoC | Not public |