CVE-2026-42088: OpenC3 COSMOS privilege escalation via Script Runner API bypass

CVE-2026-42088 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.6 · Published 2026-05-04

OpenC3 COSMOS is a platform used to control and receive data from embedded systems, such as satellites or industrial hardware. A security flaw in the Script Runner tool allows users with basic script-running permissions to bypass security checks and perform administrative actions. This could allow an attacker to steal sensitive secrets, modify system settings, or tamper with critical configuration and log files, potentially compromising the entire command and control infrastructure.

Technologies: Openc3 Cosmos, openc3 (PyPI), openc3 (RubyGems). Vendors: Openc3, PyPI, RubyGems.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2026-42088 exploited in the wild?
No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-42088 being exploited in the wild.
How severe is CVE-2026-42088?
Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 9.6, published 4 May 2026.
Which products and versions are affected?
Openc3 Cosmos < 7.0.0-rc3; openc3 (PyPI) ECOSYSTEM:introduced=0,fixed=7.0.0; openc3 (RubyGems) ECOSYSTEM:introduced=0,fixed=7.0.0-rc3.
Is there a fix for CVE-2026-42088?
Yes. openc3 (PyPI): upgrade to 7.0.0 or later; openc3 (RubyGems): upgrade to 7.0.0-rc3 or later. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.
How is CVE-2026-42088 attacked?
It is attacked over the network, in a network appliance.
Am I affected by CVE-2026-42088?
Check whether you run Openc3 Cosmos, openc3 (PyPI) or openc3 (RubyGems) at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

How to fix

  • openc3 (PyPI): upgrade to 7.0.0 or later
    pip install "openc3>=7.0.0"
  • openc3 (RubyGems): upgrade to 7.0.0-rc3 or later
    bundle update openc3

Technical details

A vulnerability in the Script Runner widget of OpenC3 COSMOS (prior to version 7.0.0-rc3) allows users to execute Python and Ruby scripts within the 'openc3-COSMOS-script-runner-api' container. Because the Docker containers share a common network, an authenticated attacker can use specially crafted scripts to bypass API permission checks. This grants direct access to internal services such as the Redis database (used for secrets and settings) and the buckets service (used for configuration, logs, and plugins). The flaw is categorized as CWE-250 (Execution with Unnecessary Privileges) and allows a low-privileged user to escalate to administrative control. The issue has been addressed in version 7.0.0-rc3 and the final 7.0.0 release.

Affected products

  • OpenC3 COSMOS < 7.0.0-rc3

Identifiers

  • CVE-2026-42088
  • GHSA-2wvh-87g2-89hr
  • PYSEC-2026-2245

Timeline

  • 2026-03-06: patched: Version 7.0.0-rc3 released
  • 2026-03-26: patched: Version 7.0.0 final released
  • 2026-04-20: advisory: GitHub Security Advisory published
  • 2026-05-04: disclosed: CVE published to NVD

References

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