CVE-2026-51907 in QR Code Generator Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/02/2026
In TaskingAI v0.3.0 in the QR Code Generator plugin save_base64_image function, a path traversal vulnerability allows attackers to write image files to arbitrary locations on the server filesystem by manipulating the project_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2026
The identified vulnerability resides within the QR Code Generator plugin for TaskingAI version 0.3.0, specifically affecting the save_base64_image function. This component is responsible for processing base64-encoded image data and persisting it to the server's file system. The core technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation regarding the project_id parameter. Instead of treating this identifier strictly as a database reference or an internal logical key, the application directly incorporates its value into the file path construction logic without sanitization. This design oversight creates a classic directory traversal condition where special characters such as dot-dot-slash sequences can be injected to manipulate the intended destination path. By carefully crafting the project_id input, an attacker can break out of the designated storage directory and specify arbitrary absolute or relative paths on the underlying operating system.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability is categorized under CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory. The application fails to enforce strict constraints that ensure user-supplied input remains within an expected sandboxed environment. When the save_base64_image function executes, it concatenates the unsanitized project_id with other path components and passes this composite string to file system write operations. Because there are no checks to prevent directory traversal sequences or absolute path injection, the operating system resolves these paths literally rather than interpreting them as relative to the application's root. This allows for precise control over where files are written, bypassing any intended isolation mechanisms that might separate user data from critical system directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. The most immediate consequence is unauthorized file write access across the server filesystem. An attacker can overwrite existing legitimate files, potentially leading to defacement or corruption of application assets if they target specific known paths such as configuration files or static resources. More critically, because TaskingAI likely runs with permissions that allow writing to web-accessible directories, an attacker could upload a malicious script disguised as an image file by manipulating the extension through path manipulation tricks or relying on server misconfigurations that execute scripts based on filename patterns. This leads directly to Remote Code Execution, granting the attacker full control over the compromised host. Additionally, this capability can be leveraged for Denial of Service attacks by filling up disk space with large files written to critical locations like /tmp or log directories, causing system instability and service outages.
This vulnerability aligns with several entries in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly T1564.002 Hidden Files and Directories if used for persistence, but more accurately reflects T1105 Ingress Tool Transfer when considering the upload aspect, or T1083 File and Directory Discovery combined with T1074 Data Staged if intermediate files are created. The exploitation vector is typically remote via HTTP requests to the plugin's API endpoint, requiring no authentication in some configurations or leveraging low-privileged accounts that have access to generate QR codes. This makes it a high-risk vulnerability for any deployment where external users can interact with the QR code generation feature without strict administrative oversight.
Mitigation strategies must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary fix involves implementing rigorous input validation on the project_id parameter before it is used in file path construction. Developers should enforce allowlisting techniques, ensuring that only alphanumeric characters are accepted for identifiers intended to be part of a filename or directory structure. Furthermore, using canonicalization libraries to resolve paths early and verifying that the final resolved path starts with an expected base directory can prevent traversal attacks even if special characters slip through initial checks. It is also advisable to use secure file naming conventions where user input does not directly influence the filename but rather serves as a database key used to look up a safe, pre-generated or hashed filename. Upgrading to patched versions of TaskingAI that address this specific flaw in the QR Code Generator plugin is essential for immediate risk reduction.