Kibana: Relative Path Traversal
CVE-2026-72677 is a high-severity relative path traversal vulnerability in Kibana from Elastic, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.3 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Kibana versions: 8.0.0 through 8.19.16; 9.0.0 through 9.3.5; 9.4.0 through 9.4.2. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.4% 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 Kibana you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on discuss.elastic.co for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elastic | Kibana | 8.0.0 through 8.19.16; 9.0.0 through 9.3.5; 9.4.0 through 9.4.2 | 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
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- 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:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (elastic.co).
Official description
Relative Path Traversal (CWE-23) in Kibana can lead to the unauthorized deletion of Kibana resources via Relative Path Traversal (CAPEC-139). Kibana Fleet accepted a user-supplied identifier for a Fleet Server host configuration without rejecting relative traversal sequences. The identifier is stored as provided and is later incorporated into the request that Kibana issues when that configuration is removed.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Relative Path Traversal
The product uses external input to construct a pathname that should be within a restricted directory, but it does not properly neutralize sequences such as.. that can resolve to a location that is outside of that directory.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- 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.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in Kibana
- 7.3 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
Recent Relative Path Traversal vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
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