CVE-2026-57501: CWE-266: Incorrect Privilege Assignment in zen-browser desktop
CVE-2026-57501 is a privilege assignment vulnerability in the Zen browser desktop application prior to version 1.21.5b. The issue involves context-menu actions 'Open link in glance' and 'Split link in new tab' loading URLs with System principal instead of the originating page's principal. This allows a malicious web page to bypass content-to-file security checks by placing a link to a file URL that loads with elevated System privileges. The vulnerability is fixed in version 1.21.5b.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
Zen browser versions prior to 1.21.5b have an incorrect privilege assignment vulnerability (CWE-266) in two context-menu actions. These actions load a page-controlled link URL with System principal privileges rather than the originating page's principal. This flaw enables a malicious web page to craft a link to a file URL that, when opened via the affected context-menu items, executes with System privileges, bypassing normal content-to-file security restrictions. The issue is resolved in version 1.21.5b.
Potential Impact
A malicious web page can exploit this vulnerability to load file URLs with System-level privileges via specific context-menu actions, bypassing security checks that normally prevent such privilege escalation. This could lead to unauthorized access or manipulation of local files with elevated privileges. No direct confidentiality, integrity, or availability impacts are described beyond the privilege bypass.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade Zen browser to version 1.21.5b or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. No other mitigation or temporary workaround is indicated.
CVE-2026-57501: CWE-266: Incorrect Privilege Assignment in zen-browser desktop
Description
CVE-2026-57501 is a privilege assignment vulnerability in the Zen browser desktop application prior to version 1.21.5b. The issue involves context-menu actions 'Open link in glance' and 'Split link in new tab' loading URLs with System principal instead of the originating page's principal. This allows a malicious web page to bypass content-to-file security checks by placing a link to a file URL that loads with elevated System privileges. The vulnerability is fixed in version 1.21.5b.
CVSS v3.1
Score 0.0none
Affected software
pkg:github/zen-browser/desktopRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
Zen browser versions prior to 1.21.5b have an incorrect privilege assignment vulnerability (CWE-266) in two context-menu actions. These actions load a page-controlled link URL with System principal privileges rather than the originating page's principal. This flaw enables a malicious web page to craft a link to a file URL that, when opened via the affected context-menu items, executes with System privileges, bypassing normal content-to-file security restrictions. The issue is resolved in version 1.21.5b.
Potential Impact
A malicious web page can exploit this vulnerability to load file URLs with System-level privileges via specific context-menu actions, bypassing security checks that normally prevent such privilege escalation. This could lead to unauthorized access or manipulation of local files with elevated privileges. No direct confidentiality, integrity, or availability impacts are described beyond the privilege bypass.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade Zen browser to version 1.21.5b or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. No other mitigation or temporary workaround is indicated.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- GitHub_M
- Date Reserved
- 2026-06-24T14:53:40.112Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a50252a68715ace43310cd5
Added to database: 07/09/2026, 22:48:10 UTC
Last enriched: 07/09/2026, 23:03:04 UTC
Last updated: 07/10/2026, 02:06:11 UTC
Views: 9
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.