CVE-2026-40384
Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete
Path Traversal in Joomla com_media Files API

Publication date: 2026-05-26

Last updated on: 2026-05-28

Assigner: Joomla! Project

Description
An improper validation of the search parameter of the com_media files API endpoint leads to a path traversal vulnerability.
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Meta Information
Published
2026-05-26
Last Modified
2026-05-28
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-05-26
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-14
NVD
CVE-2026-40384
EUVD
EUVD-2026-31885
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 2 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
joomla joomla! From 4.0.0 (inc) to 5.4.6 (exc)
joomla joomla! From 6.0.0 (inc) to 6.1.1 (exc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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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.
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Executive Summary

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.

Impact Analysis

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.

Mitigation Strategies

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.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability involves improper validation of the search parameter in the com_media files API endpoint of Joomla! CMS, which can be exploited via path traversal attacks.

To detect this vulnerability on your system, you can check the Joomla! version installed to see if it falls within the affected versions (4.0.0 through 5.4.5 and 6.0.0 through 6.1.0). Upgrading to versions 5.4.6 or 6.1.1 or later mitigates the risk.

For network detection, monitoring HTTP requests to the com_media files API endpoint for suspicious path traversal patterns in the search parameter (such as '../' sequences) can help identify exploitation attempts.

Specific commands are not provided in the available resources.

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