Malcolm vulnerability

A routing rule selects between two different authentication mechanisms for the same downstream service based on the value of a client-supplied request header, rather than on any property the client cannot control. An authenticated user in possession of a shared service credential can set this header to route around the primary role-based authorization check and reach the alternate path's fixed, elevated role instead. This allows a low-privileged authenticated attacker who knows the shared credential to perform actions reserved for a higher-privileged role.

Published 11 Sep 2026Updated 2 Oct 20262 sources
CVSS 7.1

What happened

A routing rule selects between two different authentication mechanisms for the same downstream service based on the value of a client-supplied request header, rather than on any property the client cannot control. An authenticated user in possession of a shared service credential can set this header to route around the primary role-based authorization check and reach the alternate path's fixed, elevated role instead. This allows a low-privileged authenticated attacker who knows the shared credential to perform actions reserved for a higher-privileged role.

Affected versions

Malcolm: before v26.06.0 (custom) Fixed: See vendor advisory.

Why it matters

Review the vendor advisory and exposure of the affected product to determine operational impact.

Detection & mitigation

  • Apply vendor-provided updates or mitigations.
  • Review affected product exposure and access logs.

Public PoC references

No public PoC reference has passed the current publication threshold.