CVE-2026-29061 in Gokapi
Summary
by MITRE • 03/06/2026
Gokapi is a self-hosted file sharing server with automatic expiration and encryption support. Prior to version 2.2.3, a privilege escalation vulnerability in the user rank demotion logic allows a demoted user's existing API keys to retain ApiPermManageFileRequests and ApiPermManageLogs permissions, enabling continued access to upload-request management and log viewing endpoints after the user has been stripped of all privileges. This issue has been patched in version 2.2.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-29061 affects Gokapi, a self-hosted file sharing server that provides automatic expiration and encryption capabilities for secure file transfers. This system operates as a web-based platform where users can manage file requests and access logs through API endpoints with varying permission levels. The security flaw resides within the user privilege management system, specifically in how the application handles user rank demotion processes. Prior to version 2.2.3, the application failed to properly invalidate existing API keys when a user's privileges were reduced, creating a persistent security risk that undermines the intended access control mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a failure in the privilege escalation control logic within Gokapi's authentication and authorization framework. When a user's rank is demoted, the system should invalidate all existing API keys associated with that user to prevent continued access to restricted endpoints. However, the flaw allows API keys that were generated before the demotion to retain their original permission sets, specifically maintaining ApiPermManageFileRequests and ApiPermManageLogs capabilities. This creates a scenario where a demoted user can continue to perform actions such as managing file requests and viewing system logs despite having been stripped of all administrative privileges. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient privilege revocation, where the system fails to properly synchronize user state changes with active session tokens and API credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple access control bypass, as it enables a demoted user to maintain unauthorized access to sensitive system functions that should only be available to administrators or users with appropriate privileges. An attacker who successfully compromises a user account and then gains access to the system's user management capabilities could exploit this vulnerability to maintain persistent access to upload request management and log viewing functionality. This could lead to unauthorized file operations, data exfiltration through log analysis, and potential further privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates silently in the background, with no immediate indication that a demoted user has retained elevated privileges, making detection difficult and potentially allowing for prolonged unauthorized access without detection.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, specifically focusing on inadequate privilege management and permission revocation mechanisms. The issue also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials, as the compromised API keys represent valid authentication tokens that retain elevated permissions despite user status changes. The lack of proper API key invalidation during user rank demotion creates a persistent backdoor that attackers can exploit to maintain access to critical system functions. Organizations using Gokapi versions prior to 2.2.3 should immediately implement the available patch to address this vulnerability. The fix in version 2.2.3 ensures that when user ranks are demoted, all existing API keys associated with that user are properly invalidated, preventing the retention of elevated privileges and maintaining proper access control boundaries. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring for user rank changes and API key usage patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.