CVE-2026-2808: Arbitrary File Read Vulnerability in Consul
Summary
CVE-2026-2808: Consul is vulnerable to arbitrary file read when configured with Kubernetes authentication in github.com/hashicorp/consul. Affects github.com/hashicorp/consul versions < 1.22.5. Fixed in 1.22.5. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- consul · Bitnami
The same CVE-2026-2808 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
Consul is a widely used tool developed by HashiCorp for service discovery and configuration management. It provides a distributed key-value store, health checking, and multi-datacenter support. The tool is often integrated with Kubernetes for managing containerized applications. However, a vulnerability has been identified when Consul is configured with Kubernetes authentication, allowing unauthorized access to arbitrary files.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from improper handling of file access permissions when Consul is configured with Kubernetes authentication. This flaw allows an attacker to read sensitive files on the host system, potentially leading to data exposure and further exploitation. The issue is particularly critical in environments where sensitive configurations or secrets are stored, as it could compromise the security of the entire system.
How To Fix
Latest published version: v1.22.7 as of 22 Oct 2026
go get github.com/hashicorp/consul@v1.22.7Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
1.22.5
This is the first release that contains the fix.
go get github.com/hashicorp/consul@v1.22.5Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If immediate updating is not feasible, consider implementing stricter file access controls and reviewing the permissions of files that Consul can access. Additionally, avoid exposing sensitive files to the Consul service until the patch can be applied.
Conclusion
The CVE-2026-2808 vulnerability in Consul poses a significant risk by allowing arbitrary file reads when configured with Kubernetes authentication. It is crucial to update to the patched version 1.22.5 to mitigate this risk. Users should also consider implementing workarounds until the update can be applied.
See every vulnerability recorded for github.com/hashicorp/consul →
FAQ
CVE-2026-2808 is a vulnerability in the Consul package that allows arbitrary file read when configured with Kubernetes authentication.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
The risks include unauthorized access to sensitive files, which could lead to data breaches and further exploitation of the system.
Yes, a patch is available in version 1.22.5 of the Consul package. It is recommended to update to this version or later.
If you cannot update immediately, implement stricter file access controls and review permissions for files accessible by Consul.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for github.com/hashicorp/consul.
