CVE-2026-8838: Critical RCE in amazon-redshift-python-driver
The National Vulnerability Database has disclosed CVE-2026-8838, a critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in the amazon-redshift-python-driver affecting versions prior to 2.1.14. This flaw, rated 9.8 CVSS, stems from the unsafe use of Python’s eval() function within vector_in() when processing server-received data.
Attackers can exploit this by acting as a rogue Redshift server or through a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack. This allows them to execute arbitrary code on the client machine running the vulnerable driver. The impact is severe, granting full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability on the affected client.
Defenders must prioritize upgrading their amazon-redshift-python-driver installations to version 2.1.14 immediately. This isn’t a theoretical risk; it’s a direct avenue for attackers to gain a foothold in environments connecting to Redshift, especially in scenarios where client applications might be exposed to untrusted network segments or compromised Redshift instances.
What This Means For You
- If your organization uses the `amazon-redshift-python-driver`, you need to verify all instances are running version 2.1.14 or later. This is a critical RCE that can be triggered by a malicious Redshift server or a MITM, leading to client-side code execution. Patch this now to prevent a direct path to compromise.
Related ATT&CK Techniques
🛡️ Detection Rules
3 rules · 6 SIEM formats3 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.
CVE-2026-8838: RCE via amazon-redshift-python-driver eval() abuse
title: CVE-2026-8838: RCE via amazon-redshift-python-driver eval() abuse
id: scw-2026-05-18-ai-1
status: experimental
level: critical
description: |
Detects the execution of python.exe when the amazon-redshift-python-driver is involved and the command line contains 'eval(', indicating a potential exploitation of CVE-2026-8838 where arbitrary code execution is possible through unsafe use of eval() on server-received data.
author: SCW Feed Engine (AI-generated)
date: 2026-05-18
references:
- https://shimiscyberworld.com/posts/nvd-CVE-2026-8838/
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1059.006
logsource:
category: process_creation
detection:
selection:
Image|contains:
- 'python.exe'
CommandLine|contains:
- 'amazon_redshift_python_driver'
- 'eval('
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate administrative activity
Source: Shimi's Cyber World · License & reuse
Indicators of Compromise
| ID | Type | Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| CVE-2026-8838 | RCE | amazon-redshift-python-driver < 2.1.14 |
| CVE-2026-8838 | Code Injection | Python's eval() in vector_in() function |
Written by SCW Vulnerability Desk
Source & Attribution
| Source Platform | NVD |
| Channel | National Vulnerability Database |
| Published | May 19, 2026 at 00:16 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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