CVE-2026-40384
Path Traversal in Joomla com_media Files API
Publication date: 2026-05-26
Last updated on: 2026-05-26
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 5.4.6 (inc) |
| joomla | joomla | From 6.1.1 (inc) |
| joomla | joomla | From 4.0.0 (inc) to 5.4.5 (inc) |
| joomla | joomla | From 6.0.0 (inc) to 6.1.0 (inc) |
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?
CVE-2026-40384 is a path traversal vulnerability in the Joomla! CMS that affects versions 4.0.0 through 5.4.5 and 6.0.0 through 6.1.0.
The vulnerability arises from improper validation of the search parameter in the com_media files API endpoint, which allows attackers to perform path traversal attacks.
This means an attacker can manipulate the search parameter to access files and directories outside the intended scope, potentially exposing sensitive information.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
This vulnerability can allow attackers to access unauthorized files on the server by exploiting the path traversal flaw.
Such unauthorized access could lead to exposure of sensitive data, configuration files, or other critical information stored on the server.
Although the severity is moderate and the probability of exploitation is low, it still poses a risk to the confidentiality and integrity of your system.
Users are advised to upgrade to Joomla! versions 5.4.6 or 6.1.1 to mitigate this risk.
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
To mitigate the CVE-2026-40384 vulnerability, users should upgrade their Joomla! CMS installations to versions 5.4.6 or 6.1.1 or later.
This update addresses the improper validation of the search parameter in the com_media files API endpoint that leads to the path traversal vulnerability.