RELATE Courseware Vulnerability: Critical Timing Attack CVE-2026-41588
The National Vulnerability Database has disclosed CVE-2026-41588, a critical timing attack vulnerability (CVSS 9.0) in RELATE, a web-based courseware package. Specifically, the flaw exists within the check_sign_in_key() function in course/auth.py, prior to commit 2f68e16. This type of vulnerability, classified as CWE-208, can allow attackers to infer sensitive information by measuring the time it takes for a system to respond to different inputs.
Timing attacks are often subtle but can be devastating. In this context, an attacker could potentially exploit the varying response times to validate session tokens or other cryptographic material, eventually bypassing authentication mechanisms. This is not a theoretical threat; such attacks have been successfully used to compromise systems where key validation logic is not constant-time. For a web-based courseware, this could mean unauthorized access to student data, course content, or even administrative functions.
The vulnerability has been patched via commit 2f68e16. Organizations utilizing RELATE in their educational or training environments must prioritize applying this update immediately. Failure to do so leaves a wide-open door for attackers to enumerate valid credentials or session keys, leading to full system compromise. Patching is not optional; it’s a critical defensive measure against a known and exploitable flaw.
What This Means For You
- If your organization uses RELATE courseware, you need to check your version and apply commit `2f68e16` or the latest patch immediately. Audit your access logs for any anomalous sign-in attempts or unusual activity that could indicate an attacker attempting to exploit this timing attack.
Related ATT&CK Techniques
🛡️ Detection Rules
1 rule · 6 SIEM formats1 detection rule auto-generated for this incident, mapped to MITRE ATT&CK. Sigma YAML is free — export to any SIEM format via the Intel Bot.
RELATE Courseware Timing Attack - CVE-2026-41588
title: RELATE Courseware Timing Attack - CVE-2026-41588
id: scw-2026-05-08-ai-1
status: experimental
level: critical
description: |
Detects attempts to exploit the timing attack vulnerability in RELATE's courseware authentication module (course/auth.py, check_sign_in_key function). This rule specifically looks for requests targeting the vulnerable endpoint and function, which is indicative of an attempt to exploit CVE-2026-41588.
author: SCW Feed Engine (AI-generated)
date: 2026-05-08
references:
- https://shimiscyberworld.com/posts/nvd-CVE-2026-41588/
tags:
- attack.initial_access
- attack.t1190
logsource:
category: webserver
detection:
selection:
cs-uri|contains:
- '/course/auth.py'
cs-uri-query|contains:
- 'check_sign_in_key'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate administrative activity
Source: Shimi's Cyber World · License & reuse
Indicators of Compromise
| ID | Type | Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| CVE-2026-41588 | Timing Attack | RELATE web-based courseware package |
| CVE-2026-41588 | Timing Attack | RELATE prior to commit 2f68e16 |
| CVE-2026-41588 | Timing Attack | Vulnerable component: course/auth.py |
| CVE-2026-41588 | Timing Attack | Vulnerable function: check_sign_in_key() |
Written by SCW Vulnerability Desk
Source & Attribution
| Source Platform | NVD |
| Channel | National Vulnerability Database |
| Published | May 08, 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.
Believe this infringes your rights? Submit a takedown request.
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