CVE-2026-26097 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element) affecting Owl opds version 2.2.0.4. The vulnerability arises because the software improperly handles the search paths for configuration files, allowing an attacker to manipulate these paths through crafted network requests. This manipulation can cause the system to load malicious or unintended configuration files, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or unauthorized configuration changes. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 8.4 (high), reflecting the significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high), with attack vector local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no attack technique (AT:N), and requiring high privileges (PR:H). No user interaction is needed (UI:N), and there is no scope change (SC:N). The vulnerability does not currently have publicly available patches or known exploits in the wild. The flaw is particularly dangerous in environments where Owl opds is used for managing or distributing content, as attackers could leverage this to disrupt operations or gain unauthorized access. The vulnerability was reserved on 2026-02-11 and published on 2026-02-20, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. The lack of patches necessitates immediate attention to mitigate risk.

The vulnerability can lead to severe consequences including unauthorized code execution, configuration tampering, and potential system compromise. Since the flaw affects configuration file search paths, attackers could cause the system to load malicious configurations, undermining system integrity and availability. Confidential data managed or served by Owl opds could be exposed or altered, impacting confidentiality. The requirement for high privileges limits remote exploitation but increases risk from insider threats or attackers who have already gained elevated access. Organizations relying on Owl opds for critical content delivery or management could face service disruptions, data breaches, or persistent system compromise. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits over time. Overall, the vulnerability poses a high risk to affected organizations, necessitating proactive mitigation.

Given the absence of official patches, organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Restrict network access to Owl opds instances to trusted and authenticated users only, minimizing exposure to crafted network requests. 2) Enforce strict privilege separation and least privilege principles to reduce the number of users with high privileges capable of exploiting this vulnerability. 3) Monitor and audit configuration file access and changes to detect unauthorized modifications promptly. 4) Employ application whitelisting and integrity verification mechanisms to prevent loading of unauthorized configuration files. 5) Consider deploying Owl opds instances within isolated environments or containers to limit impact scope. 6) Engage with the Owl vendor or community for updates or patches and plan for timely application once available. 7) Conduct internal penetration testing focusing on configuration file path manipulation to identify potential exploitation paths. These targeted steps go beyond generic advice and address the specific nature of the CWE-427 vulnerability in Owl opds.