CVE-2026-73085: CWE-287: Improper Authentication in advplyr audiobookshelf
Audiobookshelf is a self-hosted audiobook and podcast server. Prior to 2.36.0, the jwtAuthCheck function in server/auth/TokenManager.js treats JWTs with the refresh token type as bearer access tokens on API and WebSocket resource endpoints such as /api/me instead of restricting them to /auth/refresh, allowing refresh tokens to authenticate as the associated users. This issue is fixed in version 2.36.0.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-73085 affects advplyr's Audiobookshelf, a self-hosted audiobook and podcast server. The vulnerability arises from the jwtAuthCheck function in server/auth/TokenManager.js, which mistakenly treats JWT refresh tokens as bearer access tokens on API and WebSocket endpoints such as /api/me. This improper authentication flaw (CWE-287) enables refresh tokens to authenticate as users on endpoints where they should not be valid. The flaw is fixed in version 2.36.0.
Potential Impact
An attacker with a refresh token can use it to authenticate as the associated user on API and WebSocket endpoints beyond the intended /auth/refresh endpoint. This could lead to unauthorized access to user-specific resources or actions. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.3 (medium severity), reflecting network attack vector, low complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and limited confidentiality impact.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade Audiobookshelf to version 2.36.0 or later, where this improper authentication issue is fixed. No other official remediation or temporary fixes are indicated. Patch status is confirmed by the vendor stating the issue is resolved in 2.36.0.
CVE-2026-73085: CWE-287: Improper Authentication in advplyr audiobookshelf
Description
Audiobookshelf is a self-hosted audiobook and podcast server. Prior to 2.36.0, the jwtAuthCheck function in server/auth/TokenManager.js treats JWTs with the refresh token type as bearer access tokens on API and WebSocket resource endpoints such as /api/me instead of restricting them to /auth/refresh, allowing refresh tokens to authenticate as the associated users. This issue is fixed in version 2.36.0.
CVSS v4.0
Score 5.3medium
Affected software
advplyr
audiobookshelf
pkg:github/advplyr/audiobookshelfRun 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
CVE-2026-73085 affects advplyr's Audiobookshelf, a self-hosted audiobook and podcast server. The vulnerability arises from the jwtAuthCheck function in server/auth/TokenManager.js, which mistakenly treats JWT refresh tokens as bearer access tokens on API and WebSocket endpoints such as /api/me. This improper authentication flaw (CWE-287) enables refresh tokens to authenticate as users on endpoints where they should not be valid. The flaw is fixed in version 2.36.0.
Potential Impact
An attacker with a refresh token can use it to authenticate as the associated user on API and WebSocket endpoints beyond the intended /auth/refresh endpoint. This could lead to unauthorized access to user-specific resources or actions. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.3 (medium severity), reflecting network attack vector, low complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and limited confidentiality impact.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade Audiobookshelf to version 2.36.0 or later, where this improper authentication issue is fixed. No other official remediation or temporary fixes are indicated. Patch status is confirmed by the vendor stating the issue is resolved in 2.36.0.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- GitHub_M
- Date Reserved
- 2026-08-10T19:37:41.445Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a7b5477bf8831d539106d2a
Added to database: 08/11/2026, 16:57:27 UTC
Last enriched: 08/11/2026, 17:18:37 UTC
Last updated: 09/26/2026, 01:47:44 UTC
Views: 71
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.