CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2026-105868NVD status: Analyzed

payload: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2026-105868 is a high-severity unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type vulnerability in payload from PayloadCMS, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected payload versions: < 3.90.0; >= 4.0.0-canary.0, < 4.0.0-canary.34. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.17% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Check which version of payload you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  3. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
  4. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
Payloadcmspayload< 3.90.0; >= 4.0.0-canary.0, < 4.0.0-canary.34Not stated

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
Scope
ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
Confidentiality
LowSome restricted data can be read.
Integrity
LowLimited modification of data is possible.
Availability
LowPerformance or availability is reduced.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 4.08.6HighCNA (github.com)
CVSS 3.17.1HighNVD

Official description

Payload is a free and open source headless content management system. In versions before 3.90.0 and canary versions before 4.0.0-canary.34, local upload configurations that accept XML files can store an XML file and stylesheet that execute JavaScript in the Payload origin when a logged-in user opens the file. This issue is fixed in versions 3.90.0 and 4.0.0-canary.34.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type

The product allows the upload or transfer of dangerous file types that are automatically processed within its environment.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Generate a new, unique filename for an uploaded file instead of using the user-supplied filename, so that no external input is used at all.
  • When the set of acceptable objects, such as filenames or URLs, is limited or known, create a mapping from a set of fixed input values (such as numeric IDs) to the actual filenames or URLs, and reject all other inputs.
  • Consider storing the uploaded files outside of the web document root entirely. Then, use other mechanisms to deliver the files dynamically.

More Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerabilities (CWE-434)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in payload

All payload vulnerabilities

Recent Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerabilities

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