CVE-2026-22249 is classified as a high-severity vulnerability affecting Docmost, an open-source collaborative wiki and documentation software. This vulnerability allows for arbitrary file write through the Zip Import Feature (ZipSlip), which affects versions from 0.21.0 to before 0.24.0. The lack of validation on the filename in the file utility functions (located in apps/server/src/integrations/import/utils/file.utils.ts) creates a significant security risk. Organizations using vulnerable versions should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate potential risks.
The CVSS score of CVE-2026-22249 is 7.1, indicating a high level of severity. The vulnerability's exploitability is rated as high, and it has significant potential impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, particularly as it allows attackers to write arbitrary files on the server.
Organizations should assess their deployment of Docmost and ensure that they upgrade to version 0.24.0 or later, where this vulnerability has been addressed. The urgency for defenders cannot be overstated, as the potential for exploitation could lead to severe consequences.
Given that this vulnerability has been analyzed and the details published, it is imperative for security teams to implement the necessary patches to secure their environments.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2026-22249 states that it involves arbitrary file write vulnerabilities due to a lack of validation on filenames within the Zip Import Feature. The applicable versions are from 0.21.0 to before 0.24.0, which means that any installations within this range are at risk. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22, indicating a directory traversal issue.
The CVSS score derived from the primary source is 9.8, signaling a critical severity level. This score indicates a network attack vector with low complexity, requiring no privileges and no user interaction, which amplifies the risk for organizations.
The vulnerability was published on January 15, 2026, and it is crucial for organizations to act swiftly to ensure their installations are updated to the patched version.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2026-22249 stems from inadequate validation of filenames during the zip file importation process. This oversight enables attackers to leverage the vulnerability to write arbitrary files to the server, potentially leading to unauthorized file access or execution.
The attack vector is network-based, allowing exploitation without requiring physical or adjacent access. The complexity of the attack is low, meaning that even less sophisticated attackers could successfully exploit this vulnerability. Importantly, no privileges are required, and no user interaction is necessary, making it particularly dangerous.
In terms of impact, the confidentiality of the system remains intact (none), while integrity is compromised (low), and availability is significantly affected (high). This vulnerability could allow an attacker to overwrite critical files, potentially leading to service disruptions or data corruption.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2026-22249 is substantial. Organizations utilizing vulnerable versions of Docmost should consider the potential blast radius of an exploit. If an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they could manipulate or destroy data across multiple systems, depending on the server's configuration.
The urgency for remediation is high given the CVSS score of 9.8. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability immediately to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and data corruption. The potential for an attacker to gain control over the server and exploit other vulnerabilities significantly increases the urgency of this matter.
Failure to address this vulnerability could expose organizations to severe operational risks, including loss of data integrity and availability, leading to potential regulatory penalties and reputational damage.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerable versions of Docmost are from 0.21.0 to before 0.24.0. Organizations running these versions should take immediate action to upgrade to version 0.24.0 or later to mitigate the risk presented by this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations must patch their installations of Docmost by upgrading to version 0.24.0 or later. This update includes fixes for the arbitrary file write vulnerability caused by the Zip Import Feature. If immediate patching is not feasible, organizations should implement workarounds such as disabling the Zip Import Feature until the patch can be applied.
Additionally, organizations should review their configurations to ensure that file uploads are handled securely and that sufficient validation is performed on all uploaded files.
For ongoing security, consider engaging in penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses across your systems.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any unexpected file system changes or unauthorized access attempts that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Behavioral anomalies in file handling should also be flagged for further investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2026-22249 highlights the critical need for robust validation mechanisms in software design. This vulnerability is a reminder of how seemingly minor oversights can lead to significant security risks.
Security teams should take this incident as an opportunity to strengthen their development processes, emphasizing security best practices in code reviews and testing. The lessons learned from this case can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in the future.
To stay ahead of potential threats, consider reviewing your application security practices and engaging in penetration testing methodology to continuously identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
For further insights on security testing best practices, organizations may benefit from our vulnerability management program that offers guidance on maintaining a secure application environment.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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