CVE-2026-22602 is a low-severity vulnerability affecting OpenProject, an open-source, web-based project management software. This vulnerability allows a low-privileged logged-in user to view the full names of other users within the application. The issue arises from the predictable and sequential assignment of user IDs (for example, 1 to 1000), enabling an attacker to extract a complete list of all users’ full names by iterating through specific URLs. Additionally, this vulnerability can be exploited through the OpenProject API, allowing for automated retrieval of user names.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 3.5, indicating a low severity level. Organizations should be aware that this vulnerability poses a risk to user confidentiality, as it may expose sensitive information about user identities. The vulnerability has been patched in version 16.6.2 of OpenProject, and it is crucial for organizations to upgrade to this version or apply the patch manually if immediate upgrading is not feasible.
Given the nature of this vulnerability, organizations should prioritize patching to prevent unauthorized access to user information. Delaying remediation may result in potential abuse of the exposed user data, which could lead to further security risks.
Organizations should monitor their OpenProject instances for any signs of exploitation related to this vulnerability and ensure that user permissions align with the principle of least privilege to mitigate future risks.
Vulnerability Details
OpenProject is an open-source, web-based project management software. Prior to version 16.6.2, a low-privileged logged-in user can view the full names of other users. Since user IDs are assigned sequentially and predictably (e.g., 1 to 1000), an attacker can extract a complete list of all users’ full names by iterating through these URLs. The same behavior can also be reproduced via the OpenProject API, allowing automated retrieval of full names through the API as well. This issue has been patched in version 16.6.2. Those who are unable to upgrade may apply the patch manually.
The CVSS score of 3.5 indicates a low severity level, which means the impact on confidentiality is low, and there is no integrity or availability impact. The attack vector is network-based, requiring low privileges and user interaction.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the predictable assignment of user IDs, which allows for enumeration of user data through URL manipulation. The attack vector is network-based, and the complexity is low, as it requires minimal effort for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability. Privileges required are low, and user interaction is necessary for the logged-in user to access the application.
The vulnerability affects confidentiality by allowing unauthorized access to user information, while integrity and availability impacts are non-existent. Organizations should ensure that their OpenProject instances are up to date to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive user information, which can be exploited for social engineering attacks or further breaches. The low CVSS score indicates that while the vulnerability is not critical, it still poses a risk that organizations should not overlook. The blast radius is limited to the users within the OpenProject instance, but the potential for abuse remains.
Organizations should assess the urgency based on the low severity level, aiming to address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to maintain the integrity of their user data.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects OpenProject versions prior to 16.6.2. Users are strongly encouraged to upgrade to this version to mitigate the vulnerability's impact.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should address this vulnerability by upgrading to OpenProject version 16.6.2 or applying the patch manually. Additional steps include hardening configurations and implementing network controls to limit access to the application. For further assistance, organizations can explore professional services for penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual access patterns related to user data retrieval. Behavioral anomalies, such as repeated access attempts to user profiles, should be investigated. Additionally, network signatures should be implemented to flag unauthorized access attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2026-22602 lies in its demonstration of the risks associated with predictable user ID assignments in web applications. Security teams should consider implementing stricter controls on user data access to prevent information leakage. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of regular security assessments, such as conducting vulnerability management programs to address similar issues proactively. Furthermore, understanding the implications of user data exposure highlights the need for increased awareness and training for development teams on secure coding practices.
For organizations using cloud platforms, implementing cloud security assessments can help identify misconfigurations that may expose sensitive data. Finally, continuous improvement in application security through regular penetration testing will ensure that vulnerabilities are identified and remediated in a timely manner.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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