YAML deserialization can run untrusted code
Impact
An authorized user can upload a zip-format plugin with a crafted plugin.yaml, or a crafted aclpolicy yaml file, or upload an untrusted project archive with a crafted aclpolicy yaml file, that can cause the server to run untrusted code on Rundeck Community or Enterprise Edition. An authenticated user can make a POST request, that can cause the server to run untrusted code on Rundeck Enterprise Edition.
The zip-format plugin issues requires authentication and authorization to these access levels, and affects all Rundeck editions:
adminlevel access to thesystemresource type
The ACL Policy yaml file upload issues requires authentication and authorization to these access levels, and affects all Rundeck editions:
createupdateoradminlevel access to aproject_aclresourcecreateupdateoradminlevel access to thesystem_aclresource
The unauthorized POST request requires authentication, but no specific authorization, and affects Rundeck Enterprise only.
Patches
Versions 3.4.3, 3.3.14
Workarounds
Please visit https://rundeck.com/security for information about specific workarounds.
For more information
If you have any questions or comments about this advisory:
- Email us at security@rundeck.com
To report security issues to Rundeck please use the form at https://rundeck.com/security
Reporter: Rojan Rijal from Tinder Red Team
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Java / Kotlin (Maven) | org.rundeck:rundeck-core | >= 3.4.0, < 3.4.3, < 3.3.14 | 3.4.3, 3.3.14 |
References
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-502- Platform
- Java / Kotlin (Maven)
- Package
org.rundeck:rundeck-core- Disclosed
- 01.09.2021
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 12:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-q4rf-3fhx-88pf - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: org.rundeck:rundeck-core
All published vulnerabilities of this package (Java / Kotlin (Maven)), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 2
- First → latest
- 09.2021 09.2021
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- High 1
- Medium 1
Disclosures per year
- 2021: 2
- 2022: 0
- 2023: 0
- 2024: 0
- 2025: 0
- 2026: 0
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