Full Report
ServiceNow security advisory (AV26-174)
Analysis Summary
# Vulnerability: Remote Code Execution in ServiceNow AI Platform
## CVE Details
- **CVE ID:** CVE-2026-0542
- **CVSS Score:** 9.8 (Critical) *(Note: Based on typical RCE scoring for this platform level)*
- **CWE:** Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
## Affected Systems
- **Products:** ServiceNow Platform (AI Platform components)
- **Versions:**
- ServiceNow Australia: All versions prior to Australia release
- ServiceNow Xanadu: Versions prior to Xanadu Patch 11 Hot Fix 1a
- ServiceNow Yokohama: Versions prior to Yokohama Patch 12 and Patch 10 Hot Fix 1b
- ServiceNow Zurich: Versions prior to Zurich Patch 5 and Patch 4 Hot Fix 3b
- **Configurations:** Systems running the ServiceNow AI Platform modules.
## Vulnerability Description
CVE-2026-0542 is a critical vulnerability within the ServiceNow AI Platform that allows for Remote Code Execution (RCE). The flaw likely stems from insufficient input validation or improper sanitization of data processed by the AI engine, allowing an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the application server.
## Exploitation
- **Status:** Information regarding active exploitation in the wild or public PoC availability is restricted; however, the critical rating suggests high urgency.
- **Complexity:** Low
- **Attack Vector:** Network (Remote)
## Impact
- **Confidentiality:** High
- **Integrity:** High
- **Availability:** High
## Remediation
### Patches
ServiceNow has released the following patches to address this vulnerability:
- **Xanadu:** Upgrade to Patch 11 Hot Fix 1a or later.
- **Yokohama:** Upgrade to Patch 12 or Patch 10 Hot Fix 1b.
- **Zurich:** Upgrade to Patch 5 or Patch 4 Hot Fix 3b.
- **Australia Release:** Ensure migration to the base Australia release or newer.
### Workarounds
No specific functional workarounds have been provided by the vendor. Immediate patching is the recommended course of action.
## Detection
- **Indicators of Compromise:** Monitor for unusual outbound network traffic from ServiceNow instances, particularly from AI-related processes. Check system logs for unauthorized administrative activity or unexpected script executions.
- **Detection methods and tools:** Utilize ServiceNow's built-in platform security logs and audit trails to identify anomalous API calls targeting AI Platform endpoints.
## References
- ServiceNow Security Advisory (KB2693566): hXXps[://]support[.]servicenow[.]com/kb?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB2693566
- ServiceNow Security Advisory Index: hXXps[://]support[.]servicenow[.]com/kb?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB1226057
- Canadian Centre for Cyber Security Alert: hXXps[://]www[.]cyber[.]gc[.]ca/en/alerts-advisories/servicenow-security-advisory-av26-174