code-quality.yml: Improper Privilege Management
CVE-2026-31852 is a critical-severity improper privilege management vulnerability in code-quality.yml from Jellyfin, 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 code-quality.yml versions: < 109217e75f38394b2f6e46e25dfe5a721203d3c8. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.52% 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 code-quality.yml 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jellyfin | code-quality.yml | < 109217e75f38394b2f6e46e25dfe5a721203d3c8 | Not stated |
| Jellyfin | Jellyfin | Not specified in the record | 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 NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 10.0 | Critical | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
Jellyfin is an open-source media system. The code-quality.yml GitHub Actions workflow in jellyfin/jellyfin-ios is vulnerable to arbitrary code execution via pull requests from forked repositories. Due to the workflow's elevated permissions (nearly all write permissions), this vulnerability enables full repository takeover of jellyfin/jellyfin-ios, exfiltration of highly privileged secrets, Apple App Store supply chain attack, GitHub Container Registry (ghcr.io) package poisoning, and full jellyfin organization compromise via cross-repository token usage. Note: This is not a code vulnerability, but a vulnerability in the GitHub Actions workflows. No new version is required for this GHSA and end users do not need to take any actions.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Privilege Management
The product does not properly assign, modify, track, or check privileges for an actor, creating an unintended sphere of control for that actor.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Very carefully manage the setting, management, and handling of privileges. Explicitly manage trust zones in the software.
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.
- Consider following the principle of separation of privilege. Require multiple conditions to be met before permitting access to a system resource.
More Improper Privilege Management vulnerabilities (CWE-269)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Recent Improper Privilege Management vulnerabilities
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.2 High severity
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