CVE-2026-3695 in Modern Image Gallery App
Summary
by MITRE • 03/08/2026
A vulnerability has been found in SourceCodester Modern Image Gallery App 1.0. Impacted is an unknown function of the file /delete.php. Such manipulation of the argument filename leads to path traversal. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2026
This vulnerability exists in the SourceCodester Modern Image Gallery App version 1.0 where an insecure input validation flaw has been identified in the /delete.php file. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of the filename parameter which allows attackers to manipulate the argument and traverse the file system path. This represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that enables unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure. The flaw occurs when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file operations without adequate sanitization or validation, creating an opportunity for attackers to access sensitive system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows for remote exploitation through manipulation of the filename argument passed to the delete.php endpoint. When an attacker crafts a malicious filename parameter containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, the application processes these sequences without proper validation, enabling access to files outside the designated gallery directory. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22 which defines path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities where attackers can access files and directories they should not be able to access by manipulating input parameters. The remote exploitation capability means that an attacker does not require physical access to the system, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in web-facing applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it could allow attackers to access sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other system files that should remain protected. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the network. The disclosed exploit status increases the risk level considerably as malicious actors can readily implement this attack without requiring advanced technical skills. This vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the application and could potentially lead to unauthorized access to user data or system resources. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the underlying file system, potentially accessing other applications or services running on the same server.
Mitigation strategies should include implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file operations. The application should validate the filename parameter against a whitelist of allowed characters and file extensions, and implement proper path normalization to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. Input validation should be implemented at multiple layers including application-level filtering and server-side restrictions. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be applied by ensuring the application runs with minimal required permissions and that file operations are restricted to specific directories. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and access controls should be implemented to monitor and restrict access to the vulnerable endpoint. Regular security updates and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in the application codebase, following security best practices outlined in industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.