CVE-2026-72841: External Control of File Name or Path in openwrt luci
CVE-2026-72841 is a critical vulnerability in the OpenWrt luci-app-openvpn component where the instance_name2 parameter is not properly validated during file uploads. This flaw allows authenticated users to perform path traversal attacks, enabling them to write arbitrary files outside the intended directory. Exploitation can lead to persistent root code execution by placing malicious SSH keys in system directories that are accessible after reboot.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The luci-app-openvpn in OpenWrt fails to properly validate the instance_name2 parameter during file upload operations. This improper validation permits authenticated users to conduct path traversal attacks, allowing them to write files to arbitrary locations outside the designated upload directory. By leveraging this, attackers can upload malicious payloads such as SSH keys into system directories, which can be used to gain persistent root-level code execution on the device after reboot.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an authenticated attacker to write arbitrary files outside the intended directory, potentially leading to persistent root code execution. This can compromise the entire 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 authenticated users and monitor for suspicious file upload activity related to luci-app-openvpn.
CVE-2026-72841: External Control of File Name or Path in openwrt luci
Description
CVE-2026-72841 is a critical vulnerability in the OpenWrt luci-app-openvpn component where the instance_name2 parameter is not properly validated during file uploads. This flaw allows authenticated users to perform path traversal attacks, enabling them to write arbitrary files outside the intended directory. Exploitation can lead to persistent root code execution by placing malicious SSH keys in system directories that are accessible after reboot.
CVSS v4.0
Score 9.4critical
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The luci-app-openvpn in OpenWrt fails to properly validate the instance_name2 parameter during file upload operations. This improper validation permits authenticated users to conduct path traversal attacks, allowing them to write files to arbitrary locations outside the designated upload directory. By leveraging this, attackers can upload malicious payloads such as SSH keys into system directories, which can be used to gain persistent root-level code execution on the device after reboot.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an authenticated attacker to write arbitrary files outside the intended directory, potentially leading to persistent root code execution. This can compromise the entire 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 authenticated users and monitor for suspicious file upload activity related to luci-app-openvpn.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- VulnCheck
- Date Reserved
- 2026-08-10T15:13:41.486Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a7e4130bf8831d539e05235
Added to database: 08/13/2026, 22:12:00 UTC
Last enriched: 08/13/2026, 22:27:10 UTC
Last updated: 08/14/2026, 00:39:40 UTC
Views: 4
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