CVE-2026-26095 is a vulnerability identified in Owl opds version 2.2.0.4, classified under CWE-732 (Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource). This vulnerability arises due to improper permission settings on critical resources within the Owl opds application, which is a software product developed by Owl. The flaw allows an attacker with limited privileges (local privileges) to perform unauthorized file manipulation through specially crafted network requests. The vulnerability does not require user interaction or elevated authentication, making it easier to exploit in environments where an attacker has some level of local access. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 8.5, indicating a high severity level, with attack vector classified as local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:L), and no user interaction (UI:N). The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a high level, as unauthorized file manipulation can lead to data breaches, system compromise, or denial of service. No known public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability's nature and ease of exploitation warrant immediate attention. The vulnerability was published on February 20, 2026, and is currently in a published state with no available patches linked, suggesting that mitigation may require configuration changes or vendor updates once available.

The potential impact of CVE-2026-26095 on organizations worldwide is significant. Unauthorized file manipulation can lead to data corruption, unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, or disruption of services, affecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical systems. Organizations relying on Owl opds 2.2.0.4 for document or data management may face operational disruptions or data breaches if exploited. The vulnerability's local attack vector implies that attackers need some level of access to the target environment, but once inside, they can escalate their impact without further authentication or user interaction. This can facilitate lateral movement within networks, increasing the risk of broader compromise. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk, but the high CVSS score and critical resource exposure mean that threat actors may develop exploits rapidly. Industries with high reliance on Owl opds, such as publishing, libraries, or document management sectors, are particularly vulnerable. The impact extends to regulatory compliance risks and potential financial losses due to data breaches or service outages.

To mitigate CVE-2026-26095, organizations should first verify and restrict permissions on critical resources within Owl opds to ensure that only authorized users and processes have access. Implement strict access control policies and regularly audit permission settings to detect and remediate misconfigurations. Network segmentation can limit the exposure of vulnerable services to trusted users only, reducing the attack surface. Monitor network traffic for unusual or crafted requests targeting Owl opds, employing intrusion detection systems capable of identifying anomalous file manipulation attempts. Since no official patches are currently available, consider applying virtual patching through web application firewalls or endpoint protection solutions that can block exploit attempts. Additionally, enforce the principle of least privilege for all users and services interacting with Owl opds. Stay informed about vendor updates or security advisories to apply official patches promptly once released. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on permission configurations and file access controls within the affected environment.