CVE-2026-23898
Arbitrary File Deletion in Joomla Autoupdate Server Mechanism
Publication date: 2026-04-01
Last updated on: 2026-04-09
Assigner: Joomla! Project
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| joomla | joomla! | From 3.0.0 (inc) to 5.4.4 (exc) |
| joomla | joomla! | From 6.0.0 (inc) to 6.0.4 (exc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-73 | The product allows user input to control or influence paths or file names that are used in filesystem operations. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
CVE-2026-23898 is a high-severity vulnerability in Joomla! CMS versions 4.0.0 through 5.4.3 and 6.0.0 through 6.0.3. It is caused by a lack of input validation in the autoupdate server mechanism within the com_joomlaupdate component. This flaw allows an attacker to delete arbitrary files on the affected system.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
The vulnerability can have a high impact because it allows an attacker to delete critical files on the system. Although the probability of exploitation is considered low, successful exploitation could lead to system instability, loss of important data, or disruption of services running on the Joomla! CMS.
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
To mitigate the arbitrary file deletion vulnerability in Joomla! CMS, users should upgrade their Joomla! installations to versions 5.4.4 or 6.0.4 or later.
This vulnerability affects Joomla! CMS versions 4.0.0 through 5.4.3 and 6.0.0 through 6.0.3, and the fix was released by March 31, 2026.
For further information or assistance, users can contact the Joomla! Security Centre or the Joomla! Security Strike Team (JSST).
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
The provided information does not specify how the arbitrary file deletion vulnerability in Joomla! CMS affects compliance with common standards and regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA.