CVE-2026-66138
Received Received - Intake

Arbitrary Code Execution in OpenStack Ironic Python Agent

Publication date: 2026-07-24

Last updated on: 2026-07-24

Assigner: MITRE

Description
In OpenStack Ironic Python Agent through 11.6.0, a project-scoped user with the manager role can achieve arbitrary code execution on a running Ironic-Python-Agent via a maliciously constructed configuration, because the value of ntp_server is passed to a shell.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-07-24
Last Modified
2026-07-24
Generated
2026-07-24
AI Q&A
2026-07-24
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-66138
EUVD
EUVD-2026-48476

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 4 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
openstack ironic-python-agent to 10.2.2 (exc)
openstack ironic-python-agent to 11.2.0 (exc)
openstack ironic-python-agent to 11.5.0 (exc)
openstack ironic-python-agent 11.6.0

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-78 The product constructs all or part of an OS command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended OS command when it is sent to a downstream component.

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Executive Summary

CVE-2026-66138 is a command execution vulnerability in OpenStack Ironic Python Agent (IPA) versions up to 11.6.0. It occurs when a project-scoped user with the manager role sets a maliciously crafted ntp_server configuration value, which is then passed to a shell command without proper sanitization. This allows arbitrary code execution as root during IPA startup.

Detection Guidance

Check for unauthorized modifications to the ntp_server configuration in IPA startup logs or kernel command lines. Inspect mDNS responses on provisioning/cleaning networks for suspicious parameters. Review IPA versions between 6.0.0 and 11.6.0 for unpatched instances.

Impact Analysis

An attacker with Manager role access could exploit this to execute arbitrary commands as root on the affected node. This could lead to full control over the node, data theft, or disruption of services running on it. The impact is limited to the node itself and does not compromise the Ironic service.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized root access on a node, potentially exposing sensitive data. This may violate compliance requirements under GDPR (data protection) or HIPAA (healthcare data security) if such data is stored or processed on the affected node. Organizations must patch this vulnerability to maintain compliance.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply patches provided for your OpenStack release. Switch chronyd execution from shell-based to normal execution. Validate ntp_server values early in the configuration process. Restrict Manager role access to trusted users only.

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