CVE-2026-92970 in HUBzero CMS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/17/2026
HUBzero CMS through 2.2.32 contains a path traversal vulnerability in project file upload handlers that allows authenticated project members to write arbitrary files outside the project repository. Attackers can supply traversal sequences in upload parameters to write files to attacker-chosen paths with web server privileges, potentially enabling code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2026
The HUBzero Content Management System version 2.2.32 and earlier versions contain a critical path traversal vulnerability within the project file upload handlers. This security flaw arises from insufficient validation of user-supplied input during the file upload process, specifically when authenticated users attempt to save files associated with their projects. The system fails to properly sanitize or canonicalize file paths provided in upload parameters, allowing an attacker to manipulate these inputs by injecting directory traversal sequences such as dot-dot-slash characters. This lack of rigorous path normalization enables the application to resolve relative paths incorrectly, leading to writes outside the intended project repository directory structure.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability is classified under CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory. The core issue lies in the backend logic that processes file uploads without adequately checking if the resolved absolute path remains within the allowed base directory for project storage. When an authenticated user provides a filename or path parameter containing traversal sequences, the server interprets these as instructions to navigate up the filesystem hierarchy rather than staying within the designated sandboxed environment. Consequently, files are written to arbitrary locations on the file system where the web server process has write permissions, bypassing the intended isolation mechanisms designed to separate project data from other sensitive system directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for remote code execution and privilege escalation. By writing malicious scripts or configuration files to accessible web directories, an attacker can achieve arbitrary code execution on the underlying server. This capability allows the compromise of the entire HUBzero instance, leading to data exfiltration, defacement, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Since authentication is required, this vulnerability typically affects environments where attackers have obtained valid credentials through phishing, credential stuffing, or other means. However, in shared hosting or multi-tenant academic research environments common for HUBzero deployments, compromising one project can potentially lead to access over others if they share underlying file system permissions or if the attacker writes files into globally accessible directories like web roots or temporary upload folders that are processed by the application.
This vulnerability aligns with MITRE ATT&CK technique T1505.002: Web Shell, as attackers can deploy malicious scripts to maintain persistent access and execute commands on the compromised host. Additionally, it relates to CWE-94: Improper Control of Generation of Code (Code Injection) if the uploaded files are executed by the web server. The exploitation chain typically involves authenticating into the HUBzero platform, navigating to a project workspace, and utilizing the file upload interface with crafted parameters that include path traversal strings. Successful exploitation results in unauthorized file system writes, which serves as a foothold for deeper compromise of the information technology infrastructure supporting academic research or collaborative projects hosted on the platform.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching to version 2.2.33 or later where this issue has been addressed through improved input validation and path canonicalization checks. Administrators must ensure that all instances are updated promptly, as automated exploitation tools may target known vulnerable versions in public-facing environments. In the interim, implementing strict file upload restrictions via web server configuration can provide a layer of defense; for example, configuring the web server to deny execution of uploaded files or restricting write permissions on directories outside the project root can limit the impact even if traversal occurs. Additionally, enforcing multi-factor authentication reduces the risk of unauthorized access by attackers who might otherwise obtain valid credentials through social engineering or credential leaks. Regular security audits and static code analysis focused on file handling operations are recommended to detect similar vulnerabilities in custom modules or extensions integrated with HUBzero.