CVE-2026-78030 Details
Description
DBI versions before 1.653 for Perl load arbitrary modules via unvalidated dbm_type and dbm_mldbm attributes in DBD::DBM. DBD::DBM passes the dbm_type and dbm_mldbm connect attributes to require without checking that the value names a module. require treats a path-shaped string as a literal filename and does not consult @INC, so the attribute chooses the file that Perl loads and runs. The MLDBM::Serializer:: prefix that DBD::DBM prepends to dbm_mldbm is not a boundary: only the :: separators are rewritten to /, so a value containing / traverses out of the serializer directory. The value is also assigned to $MLDBM::Serializer, which MLDBM requires the same way when it ties the table. A caller that lets an untrusted party influence either attribute, for example through a DSN fragment or a parameter that selects a storage backend, runs the file-scope code of whatever module the value names. For example, my $dsn = "dbi:DBM:f_dir=/var/db;dbm_type=../../Untrusted.pm" my $dbh = DBI->connect( $dsn ); Note that DBD::Gofer forwards connect attributes to the server side, and DBI::ProxyServer checks only that a DSN starts with a driver prefix.
A vulnerability exists in DBI versions prior to 1.653 for Perl, allowing arbitrary modules to be loaded via unvalidated dbm_type and dbm_mldbm attributes in the DBD::DBM driver. The issue arises because DBD::DBM passes these attributes to the require function without verifying that the values correspond to valid module names. As a result, an attacker could manipulate the dbm_type or dbm_mldbm attributes to load and execute malicious Perl modules. This vulnerability can be exploited by any caller that allows an untrusted party to influence these attributes, such as through a DSN fragment or by selecting a storage backend.
Users are advised to upgrade to DBI version 1.653 or later, where this vulnerability has been fixed.
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.
Volerion
Assessed Sep 19, 2026CISA-ADP
Assessed Sep 20, 2026References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
By selecting these links, you will be leaving this site. These are references gathered from the official CVE record and are not endorsed by Volerion.
| URL | Source(s) | Tag(s) |
|---|---|---|
| https://github.com/perl5-dbi/dbi/commit/315c6ce703b8b3cbe9188062d9ec80730293554a.patch | CPANSec | Source CodeVendor |
| https://github.com/perl5-dbi/dbi/security/advisories/GHSA-wqmw-wqwx-3fr7 | CPANSec | AdvisoryRemedyVendor |
| https://metacpan.org/release/HMBRAND/DBI-1.653/changes | CPANSec | Release NotesVendor |
| http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/09/19/4 | CVE | AdvisoryMailing ListRemedy |
Weakness Enumeration
| CWE-ID | CWE Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CWE-470 | Use of Externally-Controlled Input to Select Classes or Code ('Unsafe Reflection') | CPANSec |
Affected Products
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| DBI | <= 1.652 |
CPE
Remediation
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Change History
3 change records found show changes
| Date | Action | Recorded By |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 20, 2026 | CVE Modified | CISA-ADP |
| Sep 19, 2026 | CVE Modified | CVE |
| Sep 19, 2026 | New CVE Received | CPANSec |
Volerion