Review reviewCritical

CVE-2026-33758

openbao openbao, Cryostat 4

OpenBao is an open source identity-based secrets management system. Prior to version 2.5.2, OpenBao installations that have an OIDC/JWT authentication method enabled and a role with `callback_mode=direct` configured are vulnerable to XSS via the `error_description` parameter on the page for a failed authentication. This allows an attacker access to the token used in the Web UI by a victim. The `error_description` parameter has been replaced with a static error message in v2.5.2. The vulnerability can be mitigated by removing any roles with `callback_mode` set to `direct`.

CVSS
9.4
EPSS
0.29%
20.9% percentile
CISA KEV
Not listed
Published
2026.03.28
PRIORITY ASSESSMENT

Review review

The CVSS severity warrants an early asset and exposure review.

Known exploitationNot established by KEV
Exploit probability0.29%
Technical severityCVSS 9.4

Vulnerability overview

OpenBao is an open source identity-based secrets management system. Prior to version 2.5.2, OpenBao installations that have an OIDC/JWT authentication method enabled and a role with `callback_mode=direct` configured are vulnerable to XSS via the `error_description` parameter on the page for a failed authentication. This allows an attacker access to the token used in the Web UI by a victim. The `error_description` parameter has been replaced with a static error message in v2.5.2. The vulnerability can be mitigated by removing any roles with `callback_mode` set to `direct`.

Affected product and versions

Product
openbao openbao, Cryostat 4
Affected versions
>= < 2.5.2, < 2.5.2
Fixed versions
2.5.2

Recommended response sequence

Confirm exposure before applying a vendor-supported change.

Full remediation guide
  1. 1
    Identify

    Confirm that openbao openbao, Cryostat 4 and an affected version are present.

  2. 2
    Prioritize

    Combine exploitation signals with asset exposure and business criticality.

  3. 3
    Remediate

    Follow the vendor advisory or supported update path and preserve rollback options.

  4. 4
    Verify

    Recheck the version, service health, access paths, and relevant logs.

Technical data

CVSS vector
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:P/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X
CWE
CWE-116, CWE-20, CWE-79