directus: Origin Validation Error
CVE-2026-35408 is a critical-severity origin validation error vulnerability in directus, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.3 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 directus versions: < 11.17.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.17% 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 directus 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.
- 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
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
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:N. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.7 | High | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.3 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
Directus is a real-time API and App dashboard for managing SQL database content. Prior to 11.17.0, Directus's Single Sign-On (SSO) login pages lacked a Cross-Origin-Opener-Policy (COOP) HTTP response header. Without this header, a malicious cross-origin window that opens the Directus login page retains the ability to access and manipulate the window object of that page. An attacker can exploit this to intercept and redirect the OAuth authorization flow to an attacker-controlled OAuth client, causing the victim to unknowingly grant access to their authentication provider account (e.g. Google, Discord). This vulnerability is fixed in 11.17.0.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Origin Validation Error
The product does not properly verify that the source of data or communication is valid.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in directus
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 7.7 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
Recent Origin Validation Error vulnerabilities
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.6 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
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