CVE-2026-54550
Received Received - Intake

Path Traversal in IzPack Java Installer

Publication date: 2026-08-26

Last updated on: 2026-08-26

Assigner: GitHub, Inc.

Description
IzPack is a widely used tool for packaging applications on the Java platform as cross-platform installers. In 5.2.6 and earlier, UnpackerBase.unpack() in izpack-installer/src/main/java/com/izforge/izpack/installer/unpacker/UnpackerBase.java obtains an attacker-controlled PackFile targetPath, passes it through IoHelper.translatePath(), which only converts separators, and constructs a File without normalizing parent-directory segments or enforcing destination containment. A malicious installer pack entry containing ../ sequences can therefore write outside the intended installation directory to startup folders, executable search paths, or other locations accessible with the victim's privileges when the victim runs the installer.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-08-26
Last Modified
2026-08-26
Generated
2026-08-26
AI Q&A
2026-08-26
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-54550
EUVD
EUVD-2026-66562

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
izpack izpack to 5.2.6 (inc)

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-2026-54550 is a path traversal vulnerability in IzPack's UnpackerBase component. It allows attackers to write files outside the intended installation directory by including malicious path entries with ../ sequences in the targetPath. The code does not validate paths properly before writing files, enabling writes to arbitrary system locations.

Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, inspect IzPack installer JARs for malicious pack entries containing path traversal sequences like ../ in file paths. Check installer logs for unexpected file writes outside the installation directory. Use tools like find or dir to verify file locations after installation.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can allow attackers to write malicious files to sensitive system locations like startup folders or System32 on Windows. If the installer runs with admin privileges, attackers could execute arbitrary code, install malware, or modify system configurations. The attack requires no authentication and only needs the victim to run the installer.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to non-compliance with GDPR and HIPAA by enabling unauthorized file access or modification. GDPR requires protecting personal data integrity, while HIPAA mandates secure handling of health information. A successful exploit could compromise data confidentiality or system integrity, violating these regulations.

Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade to a patched version of IzPack if available. Avoid running unsigned IzPack installers. Implement file system monitoring to detect unauthorized writes. Restrict installer permissions to least privilege. Validate installer sources before execution.

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