Sensitive Information Exposure in Backstage Scaffolder Plugin

The Backstage Scaffolder plugin (specifically @backstage/plugin-scaffolder-backend) contains a vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-106501, which allows for unauthorized access to sensitive internal execution data. An authenticated user within the Backstage environment can perform read operations on Scaffolder tasks created by other users. If these tasks contain sensitive execution metadata, such as hardcoded credentials or API keys used for external service integration, this information is disclosed. The exposure of these credentials can lead to unauthorized access, modifications, or data exfiltration within the downstream external services integrated into the Backstage workflow. This vulnerability affects multiple versions of the plugin prior to 4.1.0, requiring either an immediate upgrade or the implementation of specific task-read access controls to mitigate unauthorized access to sensitive workflows.

Impact

The vulnerability poses a critical risk to organizations relying on Backstage for service orchestration and workflow automation. If successfully exploited, attackers or malicious insiders can obtain privileged credentials that permit unauthorized interaction with integrated third-party systems. This can result in significant data breaches or unauthorized system state changes across the organization's cloud and development infrastructure.

Recommendation

• Upgrade @backstage/plugin-scaffolder-backend to version 4.1.0 or later immediately to patch CVE-2026-106501.
• If an upgrade is not immediately possible, modify the Scaffolder configuration to apply the isTaskOwner condition to scaffolder.task.read, ensuring that users are restricted to viewing only their own tasks.
• Audit active Scaffolder workflows and their integrated services for any potentially compromised credentials that may have been exposed through unauthorized task access.