traccar-client: Improper Verification of Source of a Communication Channel
CVE-2026-48745 is a critical-severity improper verification of source of a communication channel vulnerability in traccar-client from Traccar, 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 traccar-client versions: < 9.7.20. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.32% 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 traccar-client 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
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traccar | traccar-client | < 9.7.20 | 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
- 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 CNA (github.com).
Official description
Traccar Client is a GPS tracking mobile app for sending location updates to private servers using the open-source Traccar platform. In versions 9.7.19 and below, a single crafted deep link can silently hijack all GPS tracking parameters and redirect telemetry to an attacker-controlled server. The app registers a custom org.traccar.client://config deep-link scheme that silently writes attacker-supplied parameters (server URL, device ID, accuracy, distance, and interval) into the app's persistent configuration with no confirmation, notification, or visual indication. A single crafted link delivered via SMS, email, a webpage, or any installed app can therefore reconfigure the app the moment the victim taps it, with no special permissions required. As a result, an attacker can covertly redirect all of the victim's GPS telemetry to their own server at maximum precision and frequency, and the change persists across restarts. This gives the attacker continuous, real-time tracking of the victim's location. This issue has been fixed in version 9.7.20.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Verification of Source of a Communication Channel
The product establishes a communication channel to handle an incoming request that has been initiated by an actor, but it does not properly verify that the request is coming from the expected origin.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use a mechanism that can validate the identity of the source, such as a certificate, and validate the integrity of data to ensure that it cannot be modified in transit using an Adversary-in-the-Middle (AITM) attack. When designing functionality of actions in the URL scheme, consider whether the action should be accessible to all mobile applications, or if an allowlist of applications to interface with is appropriate.
More Improper Verification of Source of a Communication Channel vulnerabilities (CWE-940)
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
Patches and release notes
Recent Improper Verification of Source of a Communication Channel vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.3 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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