CVE-2026-4502 in Langflow Desktop
Summary
by MITRE • 05/01/2026
IBM Langflow Desktop 1.2.0 through 1.8.4 Langflow could allow an authenticated attacker to traverse directories on the system. An attacker could send a specially crafted URL request containing "dot dot" sequences (/../) to write arbitrary files on the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2026
This vulnerability resides within IBM Langflow Desktop versions 1.2.0 through 1.8.4, representing a classic directory traversal flaw that enables authenticated attackers to manipulate file system access through crafted URL requests. The vulnerability specifically leverages "dot dot" sequences in URL paths to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and gain unauthorized access to system resources. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input containing directory traversal sequences, allowing malicious actors to exploit this weakness even with valid authentication credentials. Such directory traversal vulnerabilities typically fall under CWE-22, which classifies improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector involves sending specially crafted HTTP requests containing sequences like /../ or %2e%2e%2f that manipulate the application's file system operations to access files outside the intended directory structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as authenticated attackers can leverage the directory traversal capability to write arbitrary files to system locations. This write access enables potential exploitation of the system through various attack techniques including privilege escalation, code injection, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate application configuration files, inject malicious code into system directories, or overwrite critical system components. From an adversarial perspective, this flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078.004 for Valid Accounts, as attackers would need authenticated access but could then escalate their privileges through file system manipulation. The authenticated nature of the attack means that legitimate users with valid credentials could be compromised, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data or system resources that should remain protected.
The security implications of this vulnerability are significant as it essentially provides attackers with the ability to bypass normal file system access controls and potentially gain deeper system access. The directory traversal attack could allow an attacker to access system configuration files, user data, or application logs that should remain restricted. Furthermore, the ability to write arbitrary files opens additional attack vectors where malicious code could be deployed to establish persistence or escalate privileges. Organizations using IBM Langflow Desktop within their environments should consider this vulnerability as a critical risk factor, particularly in scenarios where the application runs with elevated privileges or has access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in preventing path traversal attacks, and underscores the necessity of implementing proper access controls and file system restrictions to mitigate such risks. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input sanitization, proper path validation, and restricting file system access permissions for the application to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.