Joomla CMS up to 5.4.5/6.1.0 File API Endpoint Search path traversal

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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5.0$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability has been found in Joomla CMS up to 5.4.5/6.1.0 and classified as critical. This affects an unknown function of the component File API Endpoint. This manipulation of the argument Search causes path traversal. This vulnerability is registered as CVE-2026-40384. Remote exploitation of the attack is possible. No exploit is available. The affected component should be upgraded.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability classified as problematic was found in Joomla CMS up to 5.4.5/6.1.0. Affected by this vulnerability is an unknown part of the component File API Endpoint. The manipulation of the argument search with an unknown input leads to a path traversal vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-22. The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality. The summary by CVE is:

An improper validation of the search parameter of the com_media files API endpoint leads to a path traversal vulnerability.

The advisory is shared at developer.joomla.org. This vulnerability is known as CVE-2026-40384 since 04/12/2026. The exploitation appears to be easy. The attack can be launched remotely. The exploitation requires an enhanced level of successful authentication. Technical details are known, but no exploit is available. The price for an exploit might be around USD $0-$5k at the moment (estimation calculated on 06/01/2026). MITRE ATT&CK project uses the attack technique T1006 for this issue.

Upgrading to version 5.4.6 or 6.1.1 eliminates this vulnerability.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at CNNVD (CNNVD-202605-5388) and CERT Bund (WID-SEC-2026-1688). If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.

Affected

  • Open Source Joomla

Productinfo

Type

Vendor

Name

Version

License

Website

CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CNA CVSS-B Score: 🔒
CNA CVSS-BT Score: 🔒
CNA Vector: 🔒

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 5.1
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 5.0

VulDB Base Score: 2.7
VulDB Temp Score: 2.6
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

NVD Base Score: 7.5
NVD Vector: 🔒

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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VectorComplexityAuthenticationConfidentialityIntegrityAvailability
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VulDB Base Score: 🔒
VulDB Temp Score: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Path traversal
CWE: CWE-22
CAPEC: 🔒
ATT&CK: 🔒

Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes

Availability: 🔒
Status: Not defined

EPSS Score: 🔒
EPSS Percentile: 🔒

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔒

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Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔒

Upgrade: CMS 5.4.6/6.1.1

Timelineinfo

04/12/2026 CVE reserved
05/26/2026 +44 days Advisory disclosed
05/26/2026 +0 days VulDB entry created
06/01/2026 +6 days VulDB entry last update

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: joomla.org

Advisory: developer.joomla.org
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2026-40384 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2026-40384
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-365725
CERT Bund: WID-SEC-2026-1688 - Joomla: Mehrere Schwachstellen
CNNVD: CNNVD-202605-5388 - Joomla! CMS 路径遍历漏洞

Entryinfo

Created: 05/26/2026 19:48
Updated: 06/01/2026 13:21
Changes: 05/26/2026 19:48 (69), 05/27/2026 21:35 (7), 05/27/2026 22:58 (6), 06/01/2026 13:21 (11)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.

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