CVE-2026-39942

HIGH8.5EPSS 0.04%

Directus: Path Traversal and Broken Access Control in File Management API

Published: 4/4/2026Modified: 4/9/2026

Description

## Summary A broken access control vulnerability was identified in the Directus file management API that allows authenticated users to overwrite files belonging to other users by manipulating the `filename_disk` parameter. ## Details The `PATCH /files/{id}` endpoint accepts a user-controlled `filename_disk` parameter. By setting this value to match the storage path of another user's file, an attacker can overwrite that file's content while manipulating metadata fields such as `uploaded_by` to obscure the tampering. ## Impact - **Unauthorized File Overwrite**: Attackers can replace legitimate files with malicious content, creating significant risk of malware propagation and data corruption. - **Remote Code Execution**: If the storage backend is shared with the extensions location, attackers can deploy malicious extensions that execute arbitrary code when loaded. - **Data Integrity Compromise**: Files can be tampered with or replaced without visible indication in the application interface. ## Mitigation The `filename_disk` parameter should be treated as a server-controlled value. Uniqueness of storage paths must be enforced server-side, and `filename_disk` should be excluded from the fields users are permitted to update directly.

Affected packages (1)

CVSS scores

SourceVersionSeverityVector
osvCVSS 3.1HIGH8.5CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:H/A:N

References (4)