# CVE-2026-86471: Apache CouchDB arbitrary code execution via unvalidated runtime configuration

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-86471-an-unvalidated-runtime-configuration-value-in-apache-couchdb-3-5  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-20. Updated: 2026-10-20  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-86471 · Severity: info · Published 2026-10-20

Apache CouchDB is a distributed document database used in many applications to store and manage data. This vulnerability allows a database administrator to execute arbitrary shell commands on the server where CouchDB runs, potentially compromising the entire system and any data it stores. Only administrators with access to CouchDB's configuration can exploit this issue.

Technologies: [Apache CouchDB](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/couchdb). Vendors: [Apache](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/apache).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-86471 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-86471 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-86471?** Informational severity, published 20 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Apache CouchDB 3.5.2 and below.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-86471?** Yes: fixed in 3.5.3. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-86471 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-86471?** Check whether you run Apache CouchDB 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

- Fixed in 3.5.3

## Technical details

An unvalidated runtime configuration value in CouchDB allows authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary shell commands with the privileges of the CouchDB operating system user. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation of configuration parameters before they are used in system shell operations. This requires admin-level access to the CouchDB server.

## Affected products

- Apache CouchDB 3.5.2 and below

## References

- [https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/pj83174r8f8f64odf47fwhozbfjtot0f](https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/pj83174r8f8f64odf47fwhozbfjtot0f)
- [https://lists.apache.org/thread/c8p73gswgogtnzvk7hpw8jb8d4mnosdp](https://lists.apache.org/thread/c8p73gswgogtnzvk7hpw8jb8d4mnosdp)

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