CVE-2021-39226 Grafana Authentication Bypass Vulnerability
Grafana contains an authentication bypass vulnerability that allows authenticated and unauthenticated users to view and delete all snapshot data, potentially resulting in complete snapshot data loss.
From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.
Should You Worry?
- CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 25 Aug 2022.
- Rated Critical severity (CVSS 9.8, scored by Vendor).
- It has been in the catalogue for 1,534 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
What It Is
Grafana is an open source data visualization platform. In affected versions unauthenticated and authenticated users are able to view the snapshot with the lowest database key by accessing the literal paths: /dashboard/snapshot/:key, or /api/snapshots/:key. If the snapshot "public_mode" configuration setting is set to true (vs default of false), unauthenticated users are able to delete the snapshot with the lowest database key by accessing the literal path: /api/snapshots-delete/:deleteKey. Regardless of the snapshot "public_mode" setting, authenticated users are able to delete the snapshot with the lowest database key by accessing the literal paths: /api/snapshots/:key, or /api/snapshots-delete/:deleteKey. The combination of deletion and viewing enables a complete walk through all snapshot data while resulting in complete snapshot data loss. This issue has been resolved in versions 8.1.6 and 7.5.11. If for some reason you cannot upgrade you can use a reverse proxy or similar to block access to the literal paths: /api/snapshots/:key, /api/snapshots-delete/:deleteKey, /dashboard/snapshot/:key, and /api/snapshots/:key. They have no normal function and can be disabled without side effects.
Affected Versions
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| grafana grafana | >= 8.0.0, < 8.1.6 < 7.5.11 |
From the public CVE record, as supplied by the vendor. Always confirm against the vendor advisory.
What To Do Now
- 1
Find it
Search your asset inventory and external attack surface for Grafana Labs Grafana. Include cloud images, appliances and anything a supplier runs for you.
Attack Surface Management - 2
- 3
Hunt for compromise
If an affected system was reachable before you patched, assume it may have been hit. Check logs, new accounts, web shells and outbound connections from the date of exposure.
Incident Response - 4
Prove it is fixed
Rescan or test the system after patching. Upgrades that fail silently and forgotten secondary instances are common.
Penetration Testing
The Compliance Clock
General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.
Not Sure If You Are Exposed?
Our attack surface and vulnerability teams can check your internet-facing estate for CVE-2021-39226 and every other exploited flaw on the list.
Sources
- CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue
- NVD: CVE-2021-39226
- CVE record: CVE-2021-39226
- FIRST EPSS
- grafana.com/blog/2021/10/05/grafana-7.5.11-and-8.1.6-released-with-critical-security-fix/
- github.com/grafana/grafana/security/advisories/GHSA-69j6-29vr-p3j9
- github.com/grafana/grafana/commit/2d456a6375855364d098ede379438bf7f0667269
- grafana.com/docs/grafana/latest/release-notes/release-notes-7-5-11/
- grafana.com/docs/grafana/latest/release-notes/release-notes-8-1-6/
- openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/10/05/4
- lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/E6ANHRDBXQT
- security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20211029-0008/