CVE-2026-32731
Zip Slip Vulnerability in ApostropheCMS Import-Export Allows Arbitrary File Write
Publication date: 2026-03-18
Last updated on: 2026-03-24
Assigner: GitHub, Inc.
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
| Probability: | |
| Percentile: |
Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| apostrophecms | import-export | to 3.5.3 (exc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-22 | The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
This vulnerability is a Zip Slip issue in ApostropheCMS's import-export module prior to version 3.5.3. The `extract()` function in `gzip.js` uses `path.join()` to construct file paths for extraction without sanitizing or resolving directory traversal segments like `../`. This allows an attacker to craft a `.tar.gz` file with entries that escape the intended extraction directory and write files anywhere on the host filesystem accessible to the Node.js process.
Specifically, any user with the Global Content Modify permission, typically content editors or site managers, can upload a malicious archive through the CMS import interface and cause arbitrary files to be written to the server.
The issue is fixed in version 3.5.3 of `@apostrophecms/import-export`.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
This vulnerability can have severe impacts including complete compromise of the server hosting ApostropheCMS. An attacker with the appropriate permission can write arbitrary files anywhere on the filesystem accessible to the Node.js process.
- They could overwrite critical files, inject malicious code, or place backdoors.
- This can lead to full system compromise, data loss, or unauthorized access.
- The CVSS score of 9.9 indicates a critical severity with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
I don't know
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
I don't know
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
To mitigate this vulnerability, you should upgrade the `@apostrophecms/import-export` package to version 3.5.3 or later, where the issue is fixed.
Additionally, restrict the Global Content Modify permission to only trusted users, as any user with this permission can exploit the vulnerability by uploading crafted `.tar.gz` files.