runtipi: Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts
CVE-2026-32729 is a high-severity improper restriction of excessive authentication attempts vulnerability in runtipi, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected runtipi versions: < 4.8.1. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.39% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of runtipi 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.
Affected products and versions
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
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- 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:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.1 | High | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
Runtipi is a personal homeserver orchestrator. Prior to 4.8.1, The Runtipi /api/auth/verify-totp endpoint does not enforce any rate limiting, attempt counting, or account lockout mechanism. An attacker who has obtained a user's valid credentials (via phishing, credential stuffing, or data breach) can brute-force the 6-digit TOTP code to completely bypass two-factor authentication. The TOTP verification session persists for 24 hours (default cache TTL), providing an excessive window during which the full 1,000,000-code keyspace (000000–999999) can be exhausted. At practical request rates (~500 req/s), the attack completes in approximately 33 minutes in the worst case. This vulnerability is fixed in 4.8.1.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts
The product does not implement sufficient measures to prevent multiple failed authentication attempts within a short time frame.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Common protection mechanisms include: Disconnecting the user after a small number of failed attempts Implementing a timeout Locking out a targeted account Requiring a computational task on the user's part.
- Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid. Consider using libraries with authentication capabilities such as OpenSSL or the ESAPI Authenticator.
More Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts vulnerabilities (CWE-307)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- github.com/runtipi/runtipi/security/advisories/GHSA-v6gf-frxm-567wExploit, Mitigation
Other vulnerabilities in runtipi
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
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