CVE-2026-78255 in Neo
Summary
by MITRE • 08/24/2026
The HTTP media server running on DJI drones serves stored photos and videos through the `/v2` endpoint without authenticating the requesting client. Filenames follow a predictable pattern, allowing an attacker who joins the drone's internal network to enumerate valid filenames and exfiltrate stored photos and videos. The exposed media may reveal sensitive information, including private locations, property, travel history, identifiable individuals, and the operator's routines.
Affected models are DJI Neo until 01.00.0400, DJI Neo 2 until 01.00.0500, DJI Flip until 01.00.1200, DJI Air 3 until 01.00.1600, DJI Air 3S until 01.00.1400, DJI Avata 2 until 01.00.0400, DJI Avata 360 until 01.00.0300, DJI Mavic 3 until 01.00.1400, DJI Mavic 3 Classic until 01.00.0800, DJI Mavic 3 Pro until 01.01.0700, DJI Mavic 4 Pro until 01.00.0500, DJI Mini 2 until 01.07.0200, DJI Mini 3 until 01.00.0500, DJI Mini 3 Pro until 01.00.0900, DJI Mini 4 Pro until 01.00.1100, and DJI Mini 5 Pro until 01.00.0600.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2026
The vulnerability identified in various DJI drone models represents a critical failure in access control mechanisms within the onboard HTTP media server. This flaw allows any client connected to the drone's local network, typically established via Wi-Fi Direct or an ad-hoc connection with the remote controller, to retrieve stored media files without providing valid credentials. The affected endpoints, specifically those utilizing the `/v2` path structure for serving photos and videos, lack authentication checks entirely. This design oversight means that once a device is associated with the drone's network interface, it gains unrestricted read access to the internal storage containing captured imagery and video footage.
The technical root cause lies in the implementation of the web server software running on the drone’s embedded operating system. The application fails to enforce authentication protocols before processing requests for media resources. Furthermore, the file naming convention employed by the firmware is predictable and sequential rather than random or obfuscated. This predictability significantly lowers the barrier for exploitation, as an attacker does not need to guess complex filenames but can instead iterate through a known pattern to enumerate all available files on the device.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables unauthorized data exfiltration by any adversary within radio range who can establish a network connection with the drone. The impact extends beyond simple privacy violations; it poses significant security risks related to location intelligence and personal safety. Exposed media may contain geotagged metadata or visual cues that reveal sensitive private locations such as residential addresses, secure facilities, or travel itineraries. Additionally, identifiable individuals captured in photos or videos can be subjected to doxxing or surveillance without their consent. The operator’s routines and operational patterns are also exposed, potentially facilitating physical stalking or targeted attacks against the drone pilot or associated personnel.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which describes Improper Authentication, as the system fails to verify the identity of users before granting access to protected resources. It also corresponds to CWE-538, Insertion of Sensitive Information into Externally-Accessible File or Directory, due to the exposure of sensitive data through accessible files. In terms of offensive security frameworks, this behavior maps to ATT&CK technique T1074, Data Staged, where an attacker collects and stages data from local systems before exfiltration, although in this case, the staging occurs on the drone itself prior to transfer over the network.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve updating the firmware of affected DJI models to versions that patch these access control flaws. Users should ensure their devices are running the latest stable release provided by the manufacturer, which typically includes fixes for authentication requirements and potentially more robust file naming schemes or encryption mechanisms. Until updates are applied, operators can mitigate risk by disabling Wi-Fi features when not in active use, ensuring physical security of the device to prevent unauthorized network association, and avoiding flight over highly sensitive locations where media exposure would cause significant harm. Regularly reviewing privacy settings within the companion application may also help limit metadata retention or sharing capabilities that exacerbate the impact of this vulnerability.