Distribution: Tag deletion bypasses `storage.delete.enabled` configuration (CVE-2026-41888)
Distribution versions prior to 3.1.1 contain a vulnerability where tag deletion via the DELETE /v2/<name>/manifests/<tag> endpoint bypasses the storage.delete.enabled configuration. This allows API clients to delete tags even when deletion is explicitly disabled by the operator. The issue is fixed in version 3.1.1.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The Distribution toolkit, used for packing, shipping, storing, and delivering container content, has a vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-41888. In versions before 3.1.1, the DELETE /v2/<name>/manifests/<tag> API endpoint allows tag deletion regardless of the storage.delete.enabled setting. This means that even if an operator disables tag deletion by setting storage.delete.enabled to false, any API client can still remove tags from repositories. This behavior violates the intended configuration and could lead to unauthorized tag removals. The vulnerability is resolved in version 3.1.1.
Potential Impact
Unauthorized API clients can delete tags from container repositories despite the operator's explicit configuration to disable deletion. This could lead to unintended removal of container tags, potentially disrupting deployment workflows or causing loss of important container metadata. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade Distribution to version 3.1.1 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. Applying this official fix ensures that the storage.delete.enabled configuration is properly enforced, preventing unauthorized tag deletions. No additional mitigations are indicated by the vendor advisory.
Distribution: Tag deletion bypasses `storage.delete.enabled` configuration (CVE-2026-41888)
Description
Distribution versions prior to 3.1.1 contain a vulnerability where tag deletion via the DELETE /v2/<name>/manifests/<tag> endpoint bypasses the storage.delete.enabled configuration. This allows API clients to delete tags even when deletion is explicitly disabled by the operator. The issue is fixed in version 3.1.1.
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The Distribution toolkit, used for packing, shipping, storing, and delivering container content, has a vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-41888. In versions before 3.1.1, the DELETE /v2/<name>/manifests/<tag> API endpoint allows tag deletion regardless of the storage.delete.enabled setting. This means that even if an operator disables tag deletion by setting storage.delete.enabled to false, any API client can still remove tags from repositories. This behavior violates the intended configuration and could lead to unauthorized tag removals. The vulnerability is resolved in version 3.1.1.
Potential Impact
Unauthorized API clients can delete tags from container repositories despite the operator's explicit configuration to disable deletion. This could lead to unintended removal of container tags, potentially disrupting deployment workflows or causing loss of important container metadata. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade Distribution to version 3.1.1 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. Applying this official fix ensures that the storage.delete.enabled configuration is properly enforced, preventing unauthorized tag deletions. No additional mitigations are indicated by the vendor advisory.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- BIT-distribution-2026-41888
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.6.2
- Aliases
- ["CVE-2026-41888"]
- Ecosystems
- ["Bitnami"]
- Database Specific Severity
- Medium
- Cvss Version
- null
Threat ID: 6a8460a2c6e8be033245a891
Added to database: 08/18/2026, 13:39:46 UTC
Last enriched: 08/18/2026, 13:43:22 UTC
Last updated: 08/18/2026, 22:49:27 UTC
Views: 4
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