CVE-2026-44210 Details
Description
Kata Containers is an open source project focusing on a standard implementation of lightweight Virtual Machines (VMs) that perform like containers. Versions prior to 3.31.0 ship with a default configuration that allows pod creators to inject arbitrary command-line arguments into the virtiofsd process through the `io.katacontainers.config.hypervisor.virtio_fs_extra_args` pod annotation. By injecting `-o source=/` along with `--no-announce-submounts` and `--sandbox=none`, an attacker can override the virtiofsd shared directory to serve the entire host root filesystem into the guest VM. Combined with the `kernel_params` annotation (also enabled by default) to activate the agent debug console, the attacker can mount the host filesystem from inside the VM and read or write any file on the host, including /etc/shadow. Version 3.31.0 patches the issue.
A vulnerability in Kata Containers versions prior to 3.31.0 allows pod creators to inject arbitrary command-line arguments into the virtiofsd process via the 'io.katacontainers.config.hypervisor.virtio_fs_extra_args' pod annotation. This can be exploited to override the shared directory served by virtiofsd, potentially exposing the entire host root filesystem to the guest VM. The issue is compounded by the 'kernel_params' annotation, which is also enabled by default, allowing access to a debug console inside the VM. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized reading or writing of host files, including sensitive files like '/etc/shadow'.
Users can upgrade to Kata Containers version 3.31.0 or later, where this vulnerability has been patched. Instructions for upgrading can be found in the Kata Containers documentation.
Metrics
CVSS 4.0 Severity and Vector Strings:
CVSS 3.x Severity and Vector Strings:
No data available for CVSS Version 2.0 on this CVE.
CISA-ADP
Assessed Jul 24, 2026References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
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| URL | Source(s) | Tag(s) |
|---|---|---|
| https://github.com/kata-containers/kata-containers/security/advisories/GHSA-rr59-xxvx-96qr | CISA-ADP | ExploitVendor Advisory |
| https://github.com/kata-containers/kata-containers/commit/ffa59ce3aa7877d067c9a372df0c329a23a01744 | [email protected] | Patch |
| https://github.com/kata-containers/kata-containers/security/advisories/GHSA-rr59-xxvx-96qr | [email protected] | ExploitVendor Advisory |
Weakness Enumeration
| CWE-ID | CWE Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CWE-88 | Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command ('Argument Injection') | [email protected] |
Affected Products
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| katacontainers kata containers | < 3.31.0 |
CPE
Remediation
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Change History
3 change records found show changes
| Date | Action | Recorded By |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 6, 2026 | Initial Analysis | [email protected] |
| Jul 24, 2026 | CVE Modified | CISA-ADP |
| Jul 23, 2026 | New CVE Received | [email protected] |