Описание
TechDocs Mkdocs Configuration Key Enables Arbitrary Code Execution
Impact
This is a configuration bypass vulnerability that enables arbitrary code execution. The @backstage/plugin-techdocs-node package uses an allowlist to filter dangerous MkDocs configuration keys during the documentation build process.
A gap in this allowlist allows attackers to craft an mkdocs.yml that causes arbitrary Python code execution, completely bypassing TechDocs' security controls.
Patches
Patched in @backstage/plugin-techdocs-node version 1.14.3
Workarounds
If users cannot upgrade immediately:
- Use Docker mode with restricted access: Configure TechDocs with
runIn: dockerinstead ofrunIn: local. This provides container isolation, though it does not fully mitigate the risk. - Restrict repository access: Limit who can modify
mkdocs.ymlfiles in repositories that TechDocs processes. Only allow trusted contributors. - Manual review: Implement PR review requirements for changes to
mkdocs.ymlfiles to detect malicious hooks configurations before they are merged. - Downgrade MkDocs: Use MkDocs < 1.4.0 (e.g., 1.3.1) which does not support hooks. Note: This may limit access to newer MkDocs features.
Note: Building documentation in CI/CD pipelines using @techdocs/cli does not mitigate this vulnerability, as the CLI uses the same vulnerable @backstage/plugin-techdocs-node package.
Resources
MkDocs Hooks Documentation MkDocs 1.4 Release Notes TechDocs Architecture
Ссылки
- https://github.com/backstage/backstage/security/advisories/GHSA-928r-fm4v-mvrw
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-29186
- https://backstage.io/docs/features/techdocs/architecture
- https://www.mkdocs.org/about/release-notes/#version-14-2022-09-27
- https://www.mkdocs.org/user-guide/configuration/#hooks
Пакеты
@backstage/plugin-techdocs-node
<= 1.14.2
1.14.3
Связанные уязвимости
Backstage is an open framework for building developer portals. Prior to version 1.14.3, this is a configuration bypass vulnerability that enables arbitrary code execution. The @backstage/plugin-techdocs-node package uses an allowlist to filter dangerous MkDocs configuration keys during the documentation build process. A gap in this allowlist allows attackers to craft an mkdocs.yml that causes arbitrary Python code execution, completely bypassing TechDocs' security controls. This issue has been patched in version 1.14.3.
Backstage is an open framework for building developer portals. Prior to version 1.14.3, this is a configuration bypass vulnerability that enables arbitrary code execution. The @backstage/plugin-techdocs-node package uses an allowlist to filter dangerous MkDocs configuration keys during the documentation build process. A gap in this allowlist allows attackers to craft an mkdocs.yml that causes arbitrary Python code execution, completely bypassing TechDocs' security controls. This issue has been patched in version 1.14.3.