CVE-2026-54529 SQLAdmin: Unvalidated sortBy parameter in `ModelView` bypasses `column_sortable_list`
Attackers can exploit unvalidated sorting parameters to infer hidden database values through ordering oracles in SQLAdmin applications.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2026-54529?
CVE-2026-54529 is a medium-severity vulnerability in smithyhq sqladmin, published on 14 Sep 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Official description
SQLAdmin is a flexible Admin interface for SQLAlchemy models. Prior to 0.27.1, ModelView.sort_query in sqladmin/models.py accepts the attacker-controlled sortBy list-view query parameter without enforcing the configured column_sortable_list server-side allow-list in self._sort_fields. The value is resolved with getattr and passed to relationship joins and order_by, allowing requests to sort by columns hidden from column_list and by related-model columns through dotted paths. The resulting row order forms an information-exposure oracle for unexposed values, and reversing ascending and descending order confirms their relative ordering. Pairing sortBy with searchable or filterable columns and pagination can narrow the oracle toward specific values, but exact recovery depends on the application's available fields and data. This issue is fixed in version 0.27.1.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-54529?
3 open source packages ship an affected version, including sqladmin.
| Package | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
sqladmin PyPI | All versions | 0.27.1 |
sqladmin PyPI | All versions | 0.27.1 |
sqladmin PyPI | All versions | 0.27.1 |
How do I fix CVE-2026-54529?
Upgrade sqladmin to 0.27.1 or later.
Is CVE-2026-54529 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-54529 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-ccg5-9c8w-xh6v, PYSEC-2026-3922.