CVE-2026-49831 in DSpace
Summary
by MITRE • 09/02/2026
DSpace open source software is a repository application which provides durable access to digital resources. Prior to versions 7.6.7, 8.4, 9.3, and 10.0, the Curation Task feature allows an output path to be used by the reporter (-r parameter), typically used to stream results and status of curation task operations. It is not restricted to any particular base path, meaning that any path writable by the DSpace (often 'tomcat') user is allowed. This constitutes a Path Traversal Vulnerability in the curate script. This issue has been patched in versions 7.6.7, 8.4, 9.3, and 10.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2026
DSpace is an open-source software suite designed to provide durable access to digital resources through a robust repository application. Within this ecosystem, the Curation Task feature serves as a critical mechanism for validating and processing metadata integrity before items are ingested or made publicly available. This functionality allows administrators and users to define specific workflows that check various aspects of digital objects, ensuring they meet predefined quality standards. The operational mechanics of these tasks often involve generating reports on the status and results of curation operations, which facilitates transparency and auditability within the repository management process.
A significant security flaw was identified in the implementation of the Curation Task feature across several versions of DSpace, specifically prior to releases 7.6.7, 8.4, 9.3, and 10.0. The vulnerability centers on the handling of the output path parameter, denoted by the -r flag when invoking the curate script. This parameter is intended to specify where the report or status information should be written during a curation operation. However, the software failed to enforce strict validation constraints on this input value. As a result, an attacker with access to execute curation tasks could supply arbitrary file paths rather than restricted output locations.
This lack of path restriction constitutes a classic Path Traversal vulnerability, categorized under CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory. Because the application does not validate whether the specified path resides within an allowed directory structure, it permits writing files to any location on the file system that is writable by the user account running the DSpace service. In typical deployment scenarios, this is often the tomcat user or another web server process account. This architectural oversight allows for unauthorized file creation and modification outside of intended application directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data leakage. An attacker could potentially overwrite critical configuration files, inject malicious scripts into executable directories, or create symbolic links to sensitive system files. If the DSpace service runs with elevated privileges or if specific directory permissions are misconfigured, this path traversal can lead to remote code execution. By manipulating file contents in writable locations such as web-accessible directories, an attacker might achieve arbitrary command execution on the host server, thereby compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of both the repository data and the underlying infrastructure.
To mitigate this risk, organizations running affected versions must upgrade immediately to patched releases 7.6.7, 8.4, 9.3, or 10.0, where the input validation for the output path parameter has been corrected. In addition to upgrading, administrators should review file system permissions to ensure that the DSpace service account operates with the principle of least privilege, restricting write access only to necessary directories. Implementing strict input sanitization and validating all user-supplied paths against a whitelist of allowed directories are essential defensive measures aligned with industry standards for secure coding practices. Regular security audits and monitoring of file system changes can further aid in detecting any attempted exploitation of this vulnerability before it leads to a full compromise.