CVE-2026-71269 in Node-RED
Summary
by MITRE • 08/05/2026
Node-RED's local-filesystem library storage module (getLibraryEntry() and saveLibraryEntry() in packages/node_modules/@node-red/runtime/lib/storage/localfilesystem/library.js), reachable via GET/POST /library/:lib/:type/*path, joins the user-supplied path parameter directly into the filesystem path via fspath.join(libDir, type, path) with no traversal sanitization, containment check, or path normalization/prefix verification. An authenticated user (including read-only-scoped tokens for the read path) can supply a path containing `../` sequences to read arbitrary files outside the library directory; a user with write access can write arbitrary files, enabling remote code execution via SSH authorized_keys or cron injection. This is a distinct, separately unpatched traversal from the previously fixed CVE-2021-21298 (Projects API).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2026
The vulnerability exists within Node-RED's local filesystem library storage module where the getLibraryEntry() and saveLibraryEntry() functions fail to properly sanitize user-supplied path parameters before constructing filesystem paths. This flaw manifests through the REST endpoints GET/POST /library/:lib/:type/*path which directly incorporate user input into file system operations without any form of traversal sanitization or containment verification. The issue stems from the use of fspath.join(libDir, type, path) where the path parameter is concatenated directly without proper validation or normalization, creating a classic path traversal vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate filesystem access patterns through directory traversal sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables authenticated users to exploit the lack of input validation by crafting malicious paths containing '../' sequences that can traverse outside the intended library directory boundaries. This affects both read and write operations within the library storage system, where read-only scoped tokens for reading paths still provide sufficient access to perform file enumeration and extraction of sensitive data from arbitrary locations on the filesystem. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the filesystem level rather than being confined to HTTP response handling or API validation, making it more fundamental and harder to contain through network-level protections.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to include potential remote code execution capabilities when combined with write access permissions. An attacker with write privileges can inject malicious content into critical system files such as SSH authorized_keys or cron job configurations, effectively enabling persistent access and command execution on the compromised Node-RED instance. This represents a significant escalation from mere path traversal to full system compromise, particularly in environments where Node-RED runs with elevated privileges or where the underlying system has integrated services that could be manipulated through file injection attacks. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for privilege escalation within the Node-RED runtime environment and potentially affects other applications that might share the same filesystem namespace.
The security implications of this flaw align with CWE-22 Path Traversal vulnerabilities and fall under ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code through file system manipulation. Unlike previous vulnerabilities such as CVE-2021-21298 which affected the Projects API, this vulnerability specifically targets the library storage functionality and requires a different set of mitigation approaches. Organizations should implement strict path validation mechanisms that normalize and verify all filesystem paths before processing, ensure proper access controls are enforced at multiple layers including file system permissions, and consider implementing additional monitoring for unusual file system access patterns. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input sanitization and containment in applications that directly interface with filesystem operations, particularly when dealing with user-supplied data that may be used to construct system calls or file paths.