CVE-2026-72841 luci-app-openvpn Path Traversal RCE via instance_name2
Authenticated attackers can exploit path traversal in OpenWrt's OpenVPN plugin to upload malicious files and achieve persistent root code execution.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Any signed-in user
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2026-72841?
CVE-2026-72841 is a critical path traversal vulnerability in openwrt luci, published on 13 Aug 2026. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.
Official 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.
Weakness: CWE-73
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-72841?
How do I fix CVE-2026-72841?
No fix has been published for CVE-2026-72841 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade, and resolve every user-supplied path against an allowed base folder before opening it. More about Path traversal.
Is CVE-2026-72841 being exploited?
It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2026-72841 exists.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-x5wv-6f33-ph3p.