CVE-2026-15326 in halo
Summary
by MITRE • 07/10/2026
A vulnerability was identified in halo-dev halo up to 2.24.2. This affects the function ThemeUtils.unzipThemeTo of the file ThemeUtils.java of the component Theme Installation. Such manipulation of the argument metadata.name leads to path traversal. The attack may be launched remotely. The exploit is publicly available and might be used. The project closed the issue as "duplicate" but did not reference any other issue, report, or CVE.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2026
The vulnerability in halo-dev halo version 2.24.2 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the ThemeUtils.unzipThemeTo function located in ThemeUtils.java. This weakness specifically targets the metadata.name argument processing during theme installation, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate file paths and potentially execute arbitrary code or access sensitive system resources. The vulnerability exists in the theme installation component, which is a core functionality of the halo platform used for content management and website customization.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows remote exploitation through manipulation of the metadata.name parameter during theme deployment. When the system processes theme archives containing maliciously crafted metadata, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the name field, enabling attackers to inject directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that can redirect file extraction outside of intended directories. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22 Path Traversal and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables arbitrary code execution through compromised theme installation processes. The publicly available exploit demonstrates the severity and practical impact of this weakness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file system compromise, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise through unauthorized access to server resources, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. Attackers could potentially overwrite critical system files, install malicious software, or gain elevated privileges within the hosting environment. The remote exploit capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the target system, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for publicly accessible halo installations. Organizations running vulnerable versions face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the affected halo-dev halo versions, with particular attention to the ThemeUtils.java component and its path validation mechanisms. System administrators should implement network-level restrictions to limit exposure of theme installation endpoints, while also monitoring for suspicious file operations during theme deployment. Input validation controls must be strengthened to prevent directory traversal sequences in metadata.name parameters, and proper access controls should be enforced to restrict theme installation capabilities to authorized users only. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect similar path traversal patterns in other components of their applications, given the prevalence of such vulnerabilities in web application frameworks. The duplicate issue closure without proper referencing indicates potential gaps in the project's vulnerability management processes and underscores the importance of maintaining detailed vulnerability tracking and remediation documentation.