Executive Summary

CVE-2026-11752 is a vulnerability in the Armeria xDS module affecting versions 1.38.0 through 1.39.0. The issue lies in the DataSourceStream class of the xDS SDS DataSource component, which resolves filenames and environment variables supplied by the control plane without any restrictions or allow-listing.

This means that a compromised or semi-trusted xDS control plane, or an attacker capable of man-in-the-middle attacks on SDS responses, can exploit this flaw to read arbitrary local files and environment variables on the xDS client host.

The vulnerability allows access to sensitive files such as TLS private keys, system configuration files, and environment variables containing credentials like AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information on the affected host. An attacker exploiting this flaw can read arbitrary local files and environment variables, potentially gaining access to private keys, system configurations, and secret credentials.

If combined with improper certificate validation, the attacker could exfiltrate these secrets to an attacker-controlled server, leading to further compromise of the system or network.

The impact includes a high confidentiality breach, which can undermine the security of applications and services relying on the Armeria xDS client.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability can be detected by checking if your system is running Armeria xDS module versions between 1.38.0 and 1.39.0, which are affected by this issue.

You can inspect the version of the Armeria library used by your application or service to confirm if it falls within the vulnerable range.

Additionally, monitoring network traffic for unencrypted or unauthenticated xDS control plane communication may help identify potential exploitation attempts.

Suggested commands to detect the vulnerable version or suspicious activity include:

• Check the Armeria version in your environment (example for Linux): `grep -r 'armeria' /path/to/dependencies` or check your build files (e.g., `pom.xml`, `build.gradle`).
• Use package management or dependency tools to list installed versions, e.g., `mvn dependency:list | grep armeria` or `gradle dependencies`.
• Monitor network traffic for xDS control plane communication using tools like `tcpdump` or `wireshark` to detect unencrypted or unauthenticated channels.
• Search logs for unusual file access or environment variable reads that could indicate exploitation attempts.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Mitigation Strategies

Immediate mitigation steps include:

• Ensure that the xDS control plane channel is authenticated and encrypted to prevent unauthorized or man-in-the-middle access.
• Run the xDS client with minimal filesystem permissions to limit the impact of arbitrary file reads.
• Avoid using file-based or environment variable-based SDS secrets, as these can be exploited to leak sensitive information.
• Upgrade Armeria xDS module to version 1.40.0 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed by confining filename resolution to an allow-list and gating environment variables behind an explicit allow-list.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability allows an attacker to read arbitrary local files and environment variables on the xDS client host, including sensitive information such as TLS private keys and credentials like AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY.

Such unauthorized access and potential exfiltration of sensitive data can lead to violations of data protection regulations and standards like GDPR and HIPAA, which require strict controls over the confidentiality and integrity of personal and sensitive information.

Therefore, exploitation of this vulnerability could result in non-compliance with these regulations due to the exposure of protected data.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0