CVE-2026-72841: External Control of File Name or Path in openwrt luci
luci-app-openvpn fails to properly validate the instance_name2 parameter during file upload, allowing authenticated users to perform path traversal and write arbitrary files outside the intended directory. Attackers can upload malicious payloads to gain persistent root code execution by placing SSH keys in system directories accessible on reboot.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The luci-app-openvpn component of OpenWrt fails to properly validate the instance_name2 parameter during file upload operations. This improper validation allows authenticated users to perform path traversal attacks, enabling them to write files outside the designated upload directory. By leveraging this vulnerability, attackers can upload malicious payloads such as SSH keys into system directories, which can be used to gain persistent root-level code execution after a system reboot.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an authenticated attacker to write arbitrary files to sensitive system locations, potentially leading to persistent root code execution. This compromises the integrity and security of the affected device, allowing full control by the attacker.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict access to the luci-app-openvpn interface to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious activity related to file uploads.
CVE-2026-72841: External Control of File Name or Path in openwrt luci
Description
luci-app-openvpn fails to properly validate the instance_name2 parameter during file upload, allowing authenticated users to perform path traversal and write arbitrary files outside the intended directory. Attackers can upload malicious payloads to gain persistent root code execution by placing SSH keys in system directories accessible on reboot.
CVSS v4.0
Score 9.4critical
Affected software
openwrt
luci
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The luci-app-openvpn component of OpenWrt fails to properly validate the instance_name2 parameter during file upload operations. This improper validation allows authenticated users to perform path traversal attacks, enabling them to write files outside the designated upload directory. By leveraging this vulnerability, attackers can upload malicious payloads such as SSH keys into system directories, which can be used to gain persistent root-level code execution after a system reboot.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an authenticated attacker to write arbitrary files to sensitive system locations, potentially leading to persistent root code execution. This compromises the integrity and security of the affected device, allowing full control by the attacker.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict access to the luci-app-openvpn interface to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious activity related to file uploads.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- VulnCheck
- Date Reserved
- 2026-08-10T15:13:41.486Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a7e4130bf8831d539e05235
Added to database: 08/13/2026, 22:12:00 UTC
Last enriched: 08/21/2026, 13:05:03 UTC
Last updated: 09/29/2026, 01:47:44 UTC
Views: 195
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