CVE-2026-22250 identifies an improper certificate validation vulnerability (CWE-295) in the Weblate command-line client (wlc) versions prior to 1.17.0. Weblate is an open-source platform widely used for software localization, and wlc interacts with Weblate's REST API to facilitate translation management. The vulnerability arises because wlc skips SSL certificate verification for some specifically crafted URLs, undermining the TLS security guarantees. This flaw allows an attacker positioned in a man-in-the-middle (MitM) role to intercept and potentially read confidential data transmitted between the client and the Weblate server. However, exploitation requires local access or network positioning, limited privileges (PR:L), and user interaction (UI:R), with a high attack complexity (AC:H). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 2.5, reflecting a low severity primarily due to these constraints and the limited impact scope. The vulnerability affects confidentiality (C:L) but does not impact integrity or availability. The scope is changed (S:C), indicating that the vulnerability could affect resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. No known exploits are currently in the wild, and the issue is resolved in wlc version 1.17.0. Organizations using wlc should upgrade to this version to ensure proper SSL verification and secure API communication.

For European organizations, the primary impact is the potential exposure of sensitive translation data or API credentials during communication with Weblate servers if an attacker can intercept traffic. While the vulnerability does not allow code execution or service disruption, confidentiality breaches could lead to leakage of proprietary or sensitive localization content, which might include unreleased product information or internal documentation. Organizations relying heavily on Weblate for software localization, especially those handling sensitive or regulated data, could face compliance risks under GDPR if data confidentiality is compromised. The requirement for local access or network positioning and user interaction limits the likelihood of widespread exploitation, but insider threats or compromised internal networks could increase risk. The vulnerability's low severity means it is unlikely to be a primary attack vector but should be addressed to maintain a strong security posture.

The definitive mitigation is to upgrade the wlc client to version 1.17.0 or later, where proper SSL certificate validation is enforced for all URLs. Organizations should audit their deployment of wlc to identify any instances running vulnerable versions. Additionally, enforcing network segmentation and strict access controls can reduce the risk of MitM attacks within internal networks. Using VPNs or encrypted tunnels for remote access to Weblate servers can further protect API communications. Monitoring for unusual network activity or unexpected certificate warnings can help detect attempted exploitation. Finally, educating users about the risks of interacting with untrusted URLs or networks when using wlc can reduce the chance of successful attacks requiring user interaction.