CVE-2026-28681 IRRd: web UI host header injection allows password reset poisoning via attacker-controlled email links
Attackers can poison password reset links via Host header injection to steal tokens and take over user accounts, allowing modification of routing registry objects.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2026-28681?
CVE-2026-28681 is a high-severity vulnerability in irrdnet irrd, published on 6 Mar 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
Internet Routing Registry daemon version 4 is an IRR database server, processing IRR objects in the RPSL format. From version 4.4.0 to before version 4.4.5 and from version 4.5.0 to before version 4.5.1, an attacker can manipulate the HTTP Host header on a password reset or account creation request. The confirmation link in the resulting email can then point to an attacker-controlled domain. Opening the link in the email is sufficient to pass the token to the attacker, who can then use it on the real IRRD instance to take over the account. A compromised account can then be used to modify RPSL objects maintained by the account's mntners and perform other account actions. If the user had two-factor authentication configured, which is required for users with override access, an attacker is not able to log in, even after successfully resetting the password. This issue has been patched in versions 4.4.5 and 4.5.1.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-28681?
5 open source packages ship an affected version, including irrd. It affects 1 product.
| Package | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
irrd PyPI | From 4.4.0 | 4.4.5, 4.5.1 |
irrd PyPI | From 4.4.0 | 4.4.5 |
irrd PyPI | From 4.4.0 | 4.4.5 |
irrd PyPI | From 4.5.0 | 4.5.1 |
irrd PyPI | From 4.5.0 | 4.5.1 |
Products include Internet Routing Registry Daemon Project Internet Routing Registry Daemon.
How do I fix CVE-2026-28681?
Upgrade irrd to a fixed version for your release line: 4.4.5 or 4.5.1.
Is CVE-2026-28681 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-28681 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in irrdnet irrd
Sources
Also known as GHSA-22m3-c7vp-49fj, PYSEC-2026-2186.