External risk intelligence

Apache Ranger GraalScriptEngineCreator Remote Code Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2026-55799

Apache Ranger is a security framework for data access control. While it provides administrative and policy management interfaces that can be network-reachable, these services are typically deployed within internal corporate networks to protect backend data infrastructure, making direct public internet exposure uncommon in standard deployments.

Code Injection

Apache Ranger

before 2.9.0

Halo Surface Signal: 3 out of 5 — possibly public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A critical vulnerability has been identified in Apache Ranger, specifically within the GraalScriptEngineCreator component. This flaw could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely, potentially impacting the security and integrity of systems managed by Apache Ranger. While the technology itself is critical for data access control, its typical deployment within internal networks suggests the primary concern for leadership is confirming relevance and exposure.

Remote code execution flaw found in Apache Ranger.
It secures data access; confirms exposure is key.
Assess impact on data security controls.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could remotely trigger this vulnerability without needing any special privileges by interacting with a network-accessible component of Apache Ranger. This interaction targets the GraalScriptEngineCreator, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code on the affected system.

Entry condition: Network access to the system.
Trigger point: Interaction with GraalScriptEngineCreator.
Resulting risk: Remote code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A critical vulnerability exists in Apache Ranger's GraalScriptEngineCreator that could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary code. This could impact the integrity and availability of the Ranger service and potentially compromise sensitive information managed by Ranger.

System data and service integrity.
Remote code execution via network access.
Compromised service and data confidentiality.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in Apache Ranger's GraalScriptEngineCreator impacts systems responsible for data access control. The first practical step is to identify all instances of Apache Ranger, determine their network exposure and business criticality, and locate the accountable system owner. Once identified, a remediation plan should be developed based on the assessed risk.

Platform or security teams should own this issue.
Verify Ranger's network reachability and business criticality.
Plan remediation based on assessed risk.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Apache Ranger?

Apache Ranger is a centralized software framework used to manage and enforce fine-grained data access control policies across various components of a big data ecosystem. It helps organizations define who can access specific data sets or perform actions within their data platforms, ensuring security and compliance.

What does CVE-2026-55799 mean for software security?

This CVE identifies a Remote Code Execution vulnerability involving the GraalScriptEngineCreator component. It is classified as CWE-94, which refers to Improper Control of Generation of Code. Essentially, the software may inadvertently allow an attacker to inject and execute unauthorized commands on the underlying system, potentially gaining full control over the affected instance.

How can an attacker trigger this vulnerability?

An attacker can trigger this flaw by sending specifically crafted network requests to the vulnerable GraalScriptEngineCreator component. It does not require special user privileges to initiate. Simply having network access to this component is sufficient; local or administrative access is not a prerequisite for this vulnerability to be exploited.

Why should I care if my system is internet-facing?

According to Halo Surface Signal, Apache Ranger is typically deployed within internal corporate networks to guard backend data, making direct public exposure uncommon. However, if your specific Ranger deployment is reachable via the internet, it faces a higher risk of remote attacks. Identifying these internet-accessible instances is critical for prioritizing your defense.

What should I do first to address this CVE?

The most effective first step is to conduct an inventory of all Apache Ranger installations in your environment. Once identified, verify their current version, assess their network reachability, and confirm their business role. Engage the appropriate system owners to plan for an upgrade to version 2.9.0, which resolves the issue.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.