CVE-2026-122305
Kyverno before 1.19.2 contains a denial of service vulnerability in substituteVariablesIfAny that allows low-privileged users to hang the admission webhook via self-referential variable templates. Attackers can create resources whose annotations re-introduce the embedded policy variable, causing unbounded substitution loops that exhaust CPU and memory and block cluster-wide admission.
Executive briefing
The source record describes: Kyverno before 1.19.2 contains a denial of service vulnerability in substituteVariablesIfAny that allows low-privileged users to hang the admission webhook via self-referential variable templates. Attackers can create resources whose annotations re-introduce the embedded policy variable, causing unbounded substitution loops that exhaust CPU and memory and block cluster-wide admission. The practical risk depends on whether an affected product/version is present, reachable and configured in an exploitable way. Review the affected-product evidence and linked vendor advisories before assigning exposure status.
Evidence confidence: Limited Evidence-derived, not an exploitability verdict
Severity & attack characteristics
CVSS vector:CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:H/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X
Technical explanation & impact
The technical mechanism is not expanded beyond the source description unless a referenced advisory supplies additional evidence. Read the linked vendor/CERT advisories for root-cause detail.
Potential impact must be interpreted from the published CVSS impact metrics and the affected component. A CVSS impact score is not proof that a particular asset is exploitable.
Weakness classification
CWE-835Affected products and versions
NVD has not supplied machine-readable vulnerable CPE product/version entries for this CVE. This is an information gap, not proof that no products are affected. Check the vendor advisory references below.
Remediation & validation
- Identify exposure by comparing the affected product and version ranges with your asset inventory, SBOM and externally exposed services.
- Review the linked vendor security advisory or patch notes. Upgrade to a vendor-confirmed fixed release; do not infer a fixed version from the CVE description.
- Until patched, consider restricting network access or disabling the affected feature where operationally safe. These are temporary controls, not a substitute for a vendor fix.
- Validate the remediation with a version check and vulnerability rescan, then retain change evidence.
No fixed version is displayed unless it is explicitly established by a vendor advisory. Follow the vendor's release notes for exact product and branch applicability.
Vendor advisories, patches & exploit references
- https://github.com/kyverno/kyverno/security/advisories/GHSA-338x-hgrv-626h VENDOR disclosure@vulncheck.com
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/kyverno-before-1.19.2-denial-of-service-via-nested-variable-substitution-loop REFERENCE disclosure@vulncheck.com
Information gaps & confidence notes
These gaps indicate missing source data. CVE Watch does not fill them with guessed product, exploit or patch details.
- NVD does not currently provide machine-readable vulnerable CPE product/version entries for this record.
Last enrichment: 2026-11-06T03:12:15+00:00 · Source last modified: 2026-11-05T14:58:03.553