code-graph-rag: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory
CVE-2026-87008 is a high-severity improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory vulnerability in code-graph-rag from Vitali87, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected code-graph-rag versions: < 0.0.589. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.26% 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 code-graph-rag 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.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitali87 | code-graph-rag | < 0.0.589 | 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
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- 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
- 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
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N. Scored by CNA (github.com).
Official description
Code Graph RAG is an AI-powered knowledge graph and retrieval system for querying, understanding, and editing multi-language codebases. Prior to 0.0.589, AstGrepService in codebase_rag/tools/ast_grep_service.py enumerates files beneath project_root and relies on should_skip_path in codebase_rag/utils/path_utils.py to classify them, but the containment check operates on unresolved lexical paths. A symbolic link planted inside an analyzed repository can therefore reference a file outside the configured root while still appearing in scope. The structural_search tool follows the link and discloses readable content without an approval gate, while structural_replace with dry_run=False follows it and overwrites writable content; the MCP path invokes structural replacement without the agent-loop approval control. An attacker who causes a victim to analyze a repository containing such a link can read credentials, keys, environment files, or sibling source and can modify files accessible to the code-graph-rag process. This issue is fixed in version 0.0.589.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory
The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- For any security checks that are performed on the client side, ensure that these checks are duplicated on the server side, in order to avoid CWE-602. Attackers can bypass the client-side checks by modifying values after the checks have been performed, or by changing the client to remove the client-side checks entirely. Then, these modified values would be submitted to the server.
- Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid.
- 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.
More Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory vulnerabilities (CWE-22)
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
Patches and release notes
Other vulnerabilities in code-graph-rag
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory vulnerabilities
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
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