Key points
- The vulnerability is rated CVSS 9.9 Critical by the National Vulnerability Database.
- Attackers with low privileges can execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
- No user interaction is required to exploit the OS command injection flaw.
The short version
- Adobe Experience Manager contains a critical OS command injection vulnerability.
- The flaw allows remote code execution for attackers with low-level access.
- Affected versions include 6.5 LTS up to SP3 and 6.5 up to 6.5.25.
The details
Adobe Experience Manager contains a severe security flaw identified as CVE-2026-103848. The National Vulnerability Database rates the issue as Critical with a score of 9.9. The weakness stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in operating system commands. This allows for OS command injection, which can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The code runs in the context of the current user. An attacker with low privileges can exploit this vulnerability. Exploitation does not require any interaction from a user. The scope of the vulnerability is changed. Affected products include Adobe Experience Manager 6.5 LTS versions up to SP3. It also affects Adobe Experience Manager 6.5 versions up to 6.5.25. The weakness is classified under CWE-78.
The context
This incident highlights risks in content management systems with low-privilege access. Similar command injection flaws have impacted other enterprise software recently. As TechSec Headlines reported on 2026-10-12, Huntress researchers found active exploitation of AhsayCBS flaws. Those flaws allowed attackers to deploy webshells and cryptocurrency miners.
On 2026-10-08, Cisco patched API command injection flaws in APIC. Those Cisco flaws required administrative credentials to exploit. The Adobe issue is distinct because it requires only low privileges. It also requires no user interaction for exploitation. This makes it easier for attackers to trigger the flaw. Organizations using these specific Adobe versions face immediate risk.
What to watch
- Monitor for unauthorized processes running on AEM servers.
- Check logs for unusual command execution from low-privilege accounts.
- Watch for new CVEs related to Adobe Experience Manager updates.
- Track vendor advisories for patches addressing CVE-2026-103848.
What it means for organisations
Teams should immediately inventory all instances of Adobe Experience Manager. Determine if any systems run the affected versions listed above. Security leaders must inform infrastructure and application owners of the risk. Review access controls to ensure low-privilege accounts are strictly limited. Assess whether external-facing systems are exposed to the internet. Check supplier contracts for security update obligations. Prepare incident response plans for potential remote code execution. Ensure monitoring tools can detect unusual command activity. Coordinate with vendors to prioritize patching or mitigation efforts.
What to do and how to stay safe: Adobe Experience Manager
- Identify all servers running Adobe Experience Manager 6.5 or 6.5 LTS.
- Verify the specific sub-version to see if it is below the safe threshold.
- Restrict network access to AEM instances from untrusted networks.
- Monitor system logs for signs of unauthorized command execution.
Step-by-step guide: Automatic Software Updates: Definition, Mechanics and Hidden Risks
General security guidance from the TechSec Headlines newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Which Adobe Experience Manager versions are affected by CVE-2026-103848?
Versions 6.5 LTS up to SP3 and 6.5 up to 6.5.25 are affected.
Does exploiting this vulnerability require user interaction?
No, exploitation does not require user interaction according to the NVD.
What level of access does an attacker need to exploit this flaw?
An attacker with low privileges can exploit this vulnerability.
