Automation-controller: automation-controller-container: automation-controller/awx: bulk job launch checks instance_groups at read level instead of use level, allowing execution-placement authorization bypass
Red Hat · Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 8
Official source article: Red Hat RHSA-2026:71113 ↗. Check the applicable product and release in the original source.
6.4MediumCVSS 3.1
Recommended action
Scheduled
Medium technical severity with no CISA KEV confirmation; remediate through the normal risk-based patch cycle unless local exposure raises the priority.
Published severityMedium→Operational priority:Medium, unchanged from published severity.unchanged
Evidence used
No CISA KEV confirmation is currently recorded.
EPSS is 0.30% for the current model date.
Compensating controls
Validate the affected product branch and deploy the verified fixed release.
Restrict the affected network interface to trusted sources where business-safe.
Monitor vendor guidance and exploitation sources for a material change.
Verification
Confirm that the asset runs Red Hat Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 8 and falls inside the recorded affected range.
Verify the installed build against the product-specific fixed version after deployment.
Validate exposure, authentication requirements and compensating controls in the actual environment.
Reopen this reassessment when CVSS, KEV, EPSS, exploit evidence or remediation changes.
Direct vendor intelligence
Authoritative vendor CSAF and VEX advisories
Structured product status and remediation from the issuing vendor. Product-state explanations are always visible; large lists can be searched or downloaded.
1 current
CVE-2026-84470 · CSAF 2.0 · revision 3 · finalRed Hat Product Securityautomation-controller: automation-controller-container: automation-controller/AWX: Bulk Job Launch checks instance_groups at read level instead of use level, allowing execution-placement authorization bypass
18 fixed
The vendor explicitly identifies these products or versions as containing the fix.
automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.6.33-1.el8ap.aarch64 as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 8
automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.6.33-1.el8ap.ppc64le as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 8
automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.6.33-1.el8ap.s390x as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 8
automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.6.33-1.el8ap.x86_64 as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 8
automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.6.33-1.el9ap.aarch64 as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 9
automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.6.33-1.el9ap.ppc64le as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 9
automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.6.33-1.el9ap.s390x as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 9
automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.6.33-1.el9ap.x86_64 as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 9
automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.7.17-1.el9ap.aarch64 as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.6 for RHEL 9
automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.7.17-1.el9ap.ppc64le as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.6 for RHEL 9
automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.7.17-1.el9ap.s390x as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.6 for RHEL 9
automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.7.17-1.el9ap.x86_64 as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.6 for RHEL 9
Summary
A flaw was found in Ansible Automation Platform's automation-controller (AWX). The Bulk Job Launch API (POST /api/v2/bulk/job_launch/) authorizes the requested instance_groups with only a read-level permission check, whereas the standard single-job launch path requires use-level permission on the same field. A principal that holds read (but not use) permission on an instance group -- for example the built-in read-only System Auditor role -- together with execute permission on a job template can launch bulk jobs onto instance groups they are not authorized to use, bypassing execution-placement isolation.
Remediation
For details on how to apply this update, refer to Ansible Automation Platform documentation.
Optional official sources
National CERT insights ?CERT means Computer Emergency Response Team; CSIRT is the closely related term Computer Security Incident Response Team.
Choose official national sources for this report. Each advisory shows its original language. Your selection is remembered on this device and included in shared links.
Official European source
ENISA European Vulnerability Database
Official EUVD identifiers, advisory evidence and known-exploited context. Missing fields are not treated as evidence of low risk.
1 current
ENISA EUVD identifier
EUVD-2026-69605
No EUVD known-exploited evidence
A flaw was found in Ansible Automation Platform's automation-controller (AWX).
The Bulk Job Launch API (POST /api/v2/bulk/job_launch/) authorizes the
requested instance_groups with only a read-level permission check, whereas the
standard single-job launch path requires use-level permission on the same
field. A principal that holds read (but not use) permission on an instance
group -- for example the built-in read-only System Auditor role -- together
with execute permission on a job template can launch bulk jobs onto instance
groups they are not authorized to use, bypassing execution-placement
isolation.
EUVD state
Present in the current official mapping
Known exploitation
Not present in the current ENISA EUVD known-exploited dataset. This is not proof of no exploitation.
ENISA score
6.4 · CVSS 3.1
Advisory evidence
No linked advisory details stored yet
Recommended actionScheduled
Medium technical severity with no CISA KEV confirmation; remediate through the normal risk-based patch cycle unless local exposure raises the priority.
Patch available
01
What, why and how
A flaw was found in Ansible Automation Platform's automation-controller (AWX).
The Bulk Job Launch API (POST /api/v2/bulk/job_launch/) authorizes the
requested instance_groups with only a read-level permission check, whereas the
standard single-job launch path requires use-level permission on the same
field. A principal that holds read (but not use) permission on an instance
group -- for example the built-in read-only System Auditor role -- together
with execute permission on a job template can launch bulk jobs onto instance
groups they are not authorized to use, bypassing execution-placement
isolation.
What
A flaw was found in Ansible Automation Platform's automation-controller (AWX).
The Bulk Job Launch API (POST /api/v2/bulk/job_launch/) authorizes the
requested instance_groups with only a read-level permission check, whereas the
standard single-job launch path requires use-level permission on the same
field. A principal that holds read (but not use) permission on an instance
group -- for example the built-in read-only System Auditor role -- together
with execute permission on a job template can launch bulk jobs onto instance
groups they are not authorized to use, bypassing execution-placement
isolation.
Why
The application reaches a protected operation without first confirming that the requester is authorised.
How
An attacker operating through a network path may attempt exploitation with low privileges. If successful, the issue may cause the confidentiality, integrity or availability impact described by the vendor.
What
A flaw was found in Ansible Automation Platform's automation-controller (AWX).
The Bulk Job Launch API (POST /api/v2/bulk/job_launch/) authorizes the
requested instance_groups with only a read-level permission check, whereas the
standard single-job launch path requires use-level permission on the same
field. A principal that holds read (but not use) permission on an instance
group -- for example the built-in read-only System Auditor role -- together
with execute permission on a job template can launch bulk jobs onto instance
groups they are not authorized to use, bypassing execution-placement
isolation.
Why
The application reaches a protected operation without first confirming that the requester is authorised.
How
An attacker operating through a network path may attempt exploitation with low privileges. If successful, the issue may cause the confidentiality, integrity or availability impact described by the vendor.
02
Exploit reality and attack path
CVSS severity, EPSS forecast probability, public exploit material and CISA-confirmed exploitation are separate signals.
Observed exploitation ?Confirmed exploitation and public exploit material are separate signals. Attacks can occur without public proof-of-concept or exploit code.No confirmed evidence
No CISA KEV match was present at the last successful refresh. This means no confirmation from that source, not proof of no exploitation.
Public PoC / exploit material ?Confirmed exploitation and public exploit material are separate signals. Attacks can occur without public proof-of-concept or exploit code.None recorded
No exploit-tagged reference or CISA SSVC proof-of-concept state is currently recorded. Research may still exist outside the structured feeds.
Likely attack path
a network path → Missing Authorization → cause the confidentiality, integrity or availability impact described by the vendor
Attack surface
Network
Privileges required
Low: a basic authenticated account is required
User interaction
None
Attack complexity
Low: no specialised conditions are recorded
Security boundary
Changed: exploitation can affect a different security authority
Weakness ?CWE means Common Weakness Enumeration: a standard category for the underlying weakness.
CWE-862: Missing Authorization. The product does not perform an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action.
CVSS vector ?CVSS means Common Vulnerability Scoring System. The vector records the metric values used to calculate technical severity.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:L/A:L
Common Vulnerability Scoring System 3.1: the compact vector below is decoded into plain language.
AVNetworkAttack vector: The vulnerable component can be reached over a network.ACLowAttack complexity: No specialised conditions are required beyond attacker-controlled input.PRLowPrivileges required: The attacker needs basic user-level privileges.UINoneUser interaction: No action by another user is required.SChangedScope: The attack can affect a component governed by a different security authority.CNoneConfidentiality impact: No direct loss is represented by this metric.ILowIntegrity impact: A successful attack can cause a limited loss.ALowAvailability impact: A successful attack can cause a limited loss.
Post-exploitation / living off the land
No specific living-off-the-land technique is confirmed in the structured sources. Monitor normal administration tools for activity inconsistent with the affected service's baseline.
NetworkCWE-862
A
Official authority intelligence
Only matched European and national findings are included. Language selectors and unavailable sources are omitted.
ENISA EUVD · EUVD-2026-69605Official EUVD mapping
A flaw was found in Ansible Automation Platform's automation-controller (AWX).
The Bulk Job Launch API (POST /api/v2/bulk/job_launch/) authorizes the
requested instance_groups with only a read-level permission check, whereas the
standard single-job launch path requires use-level permission on the same
field. A principal that holds read (but not use) permission on an instance
group -- for example the built-in read-only System Auditor role -- together
with execute permission on a job template can launch bulk jobs onto instance
groups they are not authorized to use, bypassing execution-placement
isolation.
Official EUVD record ↗BSI · German · WID-SEC-2026-3555Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform (automation-controller): Mehrere Schwachstellen
Ein Angreifer kann mehrere Schwachstellen in Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform ausnutzen, um seine Privilegien zu erhöhen, beliebigen Code auszuführen, Sicherheitsmaßnahmen zu umgehen, Daten zu manipulieren oder offenzulegen und einen Denial-of-Service-Zustand herbeizuführen.
Operational remediation based on structured source evidence.
Status ?Patch availability is based on structured fixed-version fields and authoritative update references. If no fix is verified, check the vendor advisory before making a change.
For details on how to apply this update, refer to Ansible Automation Platform documentation.
Workaround
No verified workaround is recorded. If business-safe, reduce exposure to the affected interface and allow only trusted sources until authoritative guidance is available.
04
Evidence and provenance
Published 1 Sept 2026 · Last source change 24 Sept 2026, 06:09 UTC · CWE-862 · Missing Authorization
CVE recordCVE.org · 5.2
CVSS sourceCNA
EPSS source ?The date BlackTree first stored a score for this CVE from the daily FIRST EPSS feed.FIRST · tracked since 2026-09-02
European sourceENISA EUVD · EUVD-2026-69605
Product sourceCNA
Remediation sourceVendor CSAF · Red Hat Product Security
CWE sourceCNA
NVD statusNVD awaiting enrichment
Missing structured fields: affected versions. Missing data is not evidence of low risk; review the primary advisory.
Affected versionsThe structured affected or fixed version information changed.
Before
See the vendor and CVE records for the affected range. · Fixed: Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 8: 0:4.6.33-1.el8ap < *; Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 9: 0:4.6.33-1.el9ap < *; Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.6 for RHEL 9: 0:4.7.17-1.el9ap < *
After
See the vendor and CVE records for the affected range. · Fixed: Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 8: 0:4.6.33-1.el8ap < *; Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 9: 0:4.6.33-1.el9ap < *; Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.6 for RHEL 9: 0:4.7.17-1.el9ap < *; Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.6: 1789673739 < *; Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.7: 1789580684 < *
Affected versionsThe structured affected or fixed version information changed.
Before
ansible-automation-platform-26/controller-rhel9 as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2; ansible-automation-platform-27/controller-rhel9 as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2; automation-controller.src as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2
After
Fixed: automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.6.33-1.el8ap.aarch64 as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 8; automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.6.33-1.el8ap.ppc64le as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 8; automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.6.33-1.el8ap.s390x as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 8; automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.6.33-1.el8ap.x86_64 as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 8; automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.6.33-1.el9ap.aarch64 as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 9; automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.6.33-1.el9ap.ppc64le as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 9; automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.6.33-1.el9ap.s390x as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 9; automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.6.33-1.el9ap.x86_64 as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 9; automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.7.17-1.el9ap.aarch64 as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.6 for RHEL 9; automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.7.17-1.el9ap.ppc64le as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.6 for RHEL 9; automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.7.17-1.el9ap.s390x as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.6 for RHEL 9; automation-controller-venv-tower-0:4.7.17-1.el9ap.x86_64 as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.6 for RHEL 9; registry.redhat.io/ansible-automation-platform-26/controller-rhel9@sha256:0ea5754e6baa9da37abc43777bd9a05db5815454fc2949a8909a3e2aefc7a039_arm64 as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.6; registry.redhat.io/ansible-automation-platform-26/controller-rhel9@sha256:4cf288cd1d881eb5cecff0652678d92d3415e5ce673493897236175eaad83cec_ppc64le as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.6; registry.redhat.io/ansible-automation-platform-26/controller-rhel9@sha256:7f06ccc449fcd34a7371313cf12b920af06e706b1fa259c471b5062c21f557f3_s390x as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.6; registry.redhat.io/ansible-automation-platform-26/controller-rhel9@sha256:97bc35281e7490e2a07716c8cb7738d478af88e6cdcb5afc8d32505637be9365_amd64 as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.6; registry.redhat.io/ansible-automation-platform-27/controller-rhel9@sha256:0b4d286c39fbb3056643306df9e81c2d4727e005a551ab74c2cee0950f35bf25_amd64 as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.7; registry.redhat.io/ansible-automation-platform-27/controller-rhel9@sha256:e0a869c7abe2af122a5fcc06b7c4d9ca3eec2693dde7b58c9b9ccea27f71dc6c_arm64 as a component of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.7
Affected versionsThe structured affected or fixed version information changed.
Before
See the vendor and CVE records for the affected range. · Fixed: Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.6 for RHEL 9: 0:4.7.17-1.el9ap < *
After
See the vendor and CVE records for the affected range. · Fixed: Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 8: 0:4.6.33-1.el8ap < *; Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.5 for RHEL 9: 0:4.6.33-1.el9ap < *; Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform 2.6 for RHEL 9: 0:4.7.17-1.el9ap < *
Technical terms and abbreviations used in this report
CVE
Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures: the public identifier for one disclosed vulnerability.
CVSS
Common Vulnerability Scoring System: a technical severity framework; it is not patching priority by itself.
EPSS
Exploit Prediction Scoring System: FIRST's estimate of the probability that exploitation activity will be observed in the next 30 days; it is a forecast, not confirmation.
CWE
Common Weakness Enumeration: the standard category describing the underlying software or hardware weakness.
CNA
CVE Numbering Authority: an organisation authorised to assign and publish CVE records.
CISA ADP
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Authorized Data Publisher: structured enrichment added to a CVE record.
NVD
National Vulnerability Database: NIST's enrichment service for CVE records.
CERT / CSIRT
A computer security incident response team that publishes warnings or coordinates incident response.
PoC
Proof of concept: public material that demonstrates or helps reproduce exploitation.
CSAF
Common Security Advisory Framework: a machine-readable format for security advisories.
LoTL
Living off the land: abuse of legitimate tools or system functions during an attack.