signalk-server: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory
CVE-2026-123807 is a critical-severity improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory vulnerability in signalk-server from SignalK, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected signalk-server versions: >= 2.0.0, < 2.34.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.54% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of signalk-server you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| SignalK | signalk-server | >= 2.0.0, < 2.34.0 | Not stated |
| @signalk | resources-provider | >= 1.0.0, < 1.5.3 | Not 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
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (github.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
Signal K Server is a server application that runs on a central hub in a boat. From 2.0.0 until 2.34.0 for Signal K Server and from 1.0.0 until 1.5.3 for @signalk/resources-provider, the v2 REST route GET /signalk/v2/api/resources/:resourceType/:resourceId accepts an unsafe resourceId that can escape the intended resource directory. The route passes the attacker-controlled resourceId through src/api/resources/index.ts to FileStore.getResource() in packages/resources-provider-plugin/src/filestorage.ts without adequate path containment, allowing arbitrary JSON files reachable by the server to be read. Related PUT and DELETE resource operations can write or delete files outside the storage root. Deployments with allow_readonly enabled permit anonymous reads, while other deployments require a readonly user token. Reading security.json exposes the HS256 JWT signing secret and password hashes, allowing an attacker to forge an administrator token. Administrative access to POST /skServer/providers can then create an Execute provider that runs commands with the server process privileges and persists its configuration across restarts. This issue is fixed in Signal K Server 2.34.0 and @signalk/resources-provider 1.5.3.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory
The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- For any security checks that are performed on the client side, ensure that these checks are duplicated on the server side, in order to avoid CWE-602. Attackers can bypass the client-side checks by modifying values after the checks have been performed, or by changing the client to remove the client-side checks entirely. Then, these modified values would be submitted to the server.
- Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid.
- Use an application firewall that can detect attacks against this weakness. It can be beneficial in cases in which the code cannot be fixed (because it is controlled by a third party), as an emergency prevention measure while more comprehensive software assurance measures are applied, or to provide defense in depth.
More Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory vulnerabilities (CWE-22)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Other vulnerabilities in signalk-server
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.4 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory vulnerabilities
- 9.4 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.7 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
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