MongoDB applyOps Auth Escalation via Collection Targeting Inconsistency
CVE-2026-18696 Published on August 11, 2026
Improper Authorization in MongoDB applyOps Command Handling Allows Unauthorized DDL Operations on Collections
An issue in MongoDB Server's applyOps command could allow an authenticated user with specific non-default privileges to perform certain data-definition operations, such as dropping or modifying collections, against collections they do not have permission to manipulate. This is due to an inconsistency in how the target collection is determined between the authorization check and the actual operation.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-18696 is exploitable with network access, and requires user privileges. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to have no impact on confidentiality and integrity and availability.
Weakness Type
What is an AuthZ Vulnerability?
The software performs an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action, but it does not correctly perform the check. This allows attackers to bypass intended access restrictions.
CVE-2026-18696 has been classified to as an AuthZ vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2026-18696
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Affected Versions
MongoDB Server:- Version 8.3.0 and below 8.3.8 is affected.
- Version 8.0 and below 8.0.29 is affected.
- Version 7.0 and below 7.0.40 is affected.