# CVE-2023-26045: NodeBB path traversal and code execution in user export

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2023-26045-nodebb-path-traversal-and-code-execution-in-user-export  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2023-07-25. Updated: 2026-09-25  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2023-26045 · Severity: low · CVSS 3.1 · Published 2023-07-25

NodeBB is a popular Node.js-based forum and community platform. A path traversal vulnerability combined with unsafe object destructuring in the user export feature allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript files on the server without authentication. An attacker can leverage this to gain complete control of the forum, access sensitive data, or launch further attacks against connected systems.

Technologies: [NodeBB](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/nodebb). Vendors: [NodeBB](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/nodebb).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2023-26045 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2023-26045 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2023-26045?** Low severity, with a CVSS score of 3.1, published 25 July 2023.

**Which products and versions are affected?** NodeBB 2.5.0 through 2.8.6.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2023-26045?** A patch was published on 2023-07-25: Patch released in version 2.8.7 Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2023-26045 attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2023-26045?** Check whether you run NodeBB at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

The vulnerability is a path traversal flaw (CWE-22) in NodeBB's user export code path, amplified by unsafe use of object destructuring assignment syntax. An attacker can craft a malicious payload that exploits this combination to bypass directory restrictions and invoke arbitrary JavaScript file execution on the local disk. The attack requires no authentication, no special privileges, and no user interaction—it can be triggered remotely over the network. An exploit results in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the NodeBB application process, potentially compromising the entire forum and underlying server. The vulnerability affects versions 2.5.0 through 2.8.6; patched version 2.8.7 is available, and site maintainers can apply the specific commit ec58700 as a workaround.

## Affected products

- NodeBB NodeBB 2.5.0 through 2.8.6

## Identifiers

- CVE-2023-26045
- GHSA-vh2g-6c4x-5hmp

## Timeline

- 2023-07-24: disclosed: Security advisory published by NodeBB
- 2023-07-25: patched: Patch released in version 2.8.7

## References

- [https://github.com/NodeBB/NodeBB/security/advisories/GHSA-vh2g-6c4x-5hmp](https://github.com/NodeBB/NodeBB/security/advisories/GHSA-vh2g-6c4x-5hmp)

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