CVE-2026-54455
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AI Threat Summary
CVE-2026-54455 is a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS score of 7.6 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
OpenCATS is an open-source applicant tracking system and recruitment CRM for staffing agencies and hiring teams. Prior to version 0.10.0, activity DataGrid date filtering in `home:CallsDataGrid` and `activity:ActivityDataGrid` uses request-controlled `period`, `startDate` and `endDate` parameters without sufficient validation or escaping. The vulnerable code is in `modules/home/dataGrids.php` and `modules/activity/dataGrids.php`. The `startDate` and `endDate` values are inserted into SQL string comparisons without safe escaping, and `period` can directly influence generated SQL. An authenticated user with access to the affected DataGrid endpoints can alter the intended query to access sensitive database contents, including user account data, candidate records, contact details, company information, job orders and activity history. A valid OpenCATS login is required; unauthenticated exploitation is not established. This issue is fixed in version 0.10.0.
Attack Chain
Attacker identifies vulnerable service instances using Shodan, Censys, or active scanning
Attacker crafts malicious payload exploiting CVE-2026-54455 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-2026-54455 |
| CVSS Score | 7.6 |
| Vector | CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:L |
| Published | 2026-10-28 |
| Exploited | No |
| CISA KEV | No |
| PoC | Available |