CVE-2026-41505: RELATE Courseware Package Suffers Predictable Token Generation Flaw
The National Vulnerability Database has identified a critical vulnerability, CVE-2026-41505, affecting the RELATE web-based courseware package. The flaw stems from predictable token generation within the authentication and exam ticketing functions, specifically in the make_sign_in_key() in auth.py and gen_ticket_code() in exam.py. This issue poses a significant risk as it could allow unauthenticated attackers to potentially bypass security controls or manipulate exam processes.
The National Vulnerability Database rates this vulnerability as HIGH severity with a CVSS score of 8.7. The exploitability is noted as high difficulty (AC:H), but crucially, it requires no privileges (PR:N) and no user interaction (UI:N), while impacting multiple security domains (S:C). This combination suggests a sophisticated attacker could leverage this weakness to compromise the integrity and availability of the RELATE system. Defenders must ensure they have applied the patch referenced in commit 2f68e16 to mitigate this risk.
This vulnerability, tracked under CWE-330 and CWE-338, highlights the ongoing challenge of ensuring robust cryptographic practices in web applications. Predictable token generation is a classic weakness that attackers actively seek out. For organizations using RELATE, the immediate action is to verify the application of the security patch. Beyond that, it serves as a stark reminder to rigorously audit authentication mechanisms and cryptographic implementations across all critical web-facing systems.
What This Means For You
- If your organization uses the RELATE courseware package, immediately verify that commit 2f68e16 or a later, patched version has been applied. Failure to patch could expose your system to unauthorized access or manipulation by attackers who exploit predictable token generation.
Related ATT&CK Techniques
🛡️ Detection Rules
4 rules · 6 SIEM formats4 detection rules auto-generated for this incident, mapped to MITRE ATT&CK. Sigma YAML is free — export to any SIEM format via the Intel Bot.
Web Application Exploitation Attempt — CVE-2026-41505
title: Web Application Exploitation Attempt — CVE-2026-41505
id: scw-2026-05-07-1
status: experimental
level: high
description: |
Detects common exploitation patterns targeting web applications. Review CVE-2026-41505 advisories for specific indicators.
author: SCW Feed Engine (auto-generated)
date: 2026-05-07
references:
- https://shimiscyberworld.com/posts/nvd-CVE-2026-41505/
tags:
- attack.initial_access
- attack.t1190
logsource:
category: webserver
detection:
selection:
cs-uri-query|contains:
- '..'
- 'SELECT'
- 'UNION'
- '<script'
- 'cmd='
- '/etc/passwd'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate activity from CVE-2026-41505
Source: Shimi's Cyber World · License & reuse
Indicators of Compromise
| ID | Type | Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| CVE-2026-41505 | Auth Bypass | RELATE web-based courseware package prior to commit 2f68e16 |
| CVE-2026-41505 | Auth Bypass | RELATE auth.py's make_sign_in_key() function |
| CVE-2026-41505 | Auth Bypass | RELATE exam.py's gen_ticket_code() function |
Written by SCW Vulnerability Desk
Source & Attribution
| Source Platform | NVD |
| Channel | National Vulnerability Database |
| Published | May 07, 2026 at 18:16 UTC |
This content was AI-rewritten and enriched by Shimi's Cyber World based on the original source. All intellectual property rights remain with the original author.
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