CVE-2026-71209

What it is

audiobookshelf's authentication-exemption check (server/routers/Auth.js) matches unauthenticated-allowed GET routes against req.path via a regex requiring a literal /items/:id/cover or /authors/:id/image shape, where req.path retains %2F sequences URL-encoded. CacheManager.handleCoverCache then joins this decoded value into a cache file path and streams the result before any database-backed ownership check.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data exposure.

Exploit odds

2.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2026-08-05 08:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-24 15:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Details

Published

2026-08-05 08:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-24 15:10 UTC

Exploit probability

2.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-22 · Path traversal

Record status

Deferred

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.5

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

None

Availability

None