# CVE-2026-117542: jDownloads authenticated path traversal via update_file parameter

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-117542-joomla-extension-jdownloads-com-authenticated-path-traversal-in  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-11-12. Updated: 2026-11-12  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-117542 · Severity: info · Published 2026-11-12

jDownloads is a file management extension for the Joomla content management system. An authenticated user can manipulate a form parameter to move files outside their intended directory, potentially exposing sensitive file contents and removing source files from their original locations. The vulnerability requires login credentials to exploit.

Technologies: [jDownloads](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/jdownloads). Vendors: [jDownloads](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/jdownloads).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-117542 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-117542 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-117542?** Informational severity, published 12 November 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** jDownloads < 4.1.8.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-117542?** Yes: fixed in jDownloads 4.1.8. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-117542 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-117542?** Check whether you run jDownloads 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.

## How to fix

- Fixed in jDownloads 4.1.8

## Technical details

An authenticated path traversal vulnerability in jDownloads versions prior to 4.1.8 exists in the `update_file` form parameter handling. An authenticated user can bypass server-file selection restrictions by sending a crafted parameter value, allowing arbitrary file access and relocation within the filesystem. The fix was released in version 4.1.8 as part of a security update.

## Affected products

- jDownloads jDownloads < 4.1.8

## Timeline

- 2026-11-12: patched: Security update released

## References

- [https://www.jdownloads.com/](https://www.jdownloads.com/)

## Related threats

- [jDownloads IDOR in other_file_id parameter allows unauthorized file access](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-117544-joomla-extension-jdownloads-com-idor-allowing-restricted-file)
- [Joomla jDownloads file upload RCE in thumbnail handling](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-117551-joomla-extension-jdownloads-com-rce-through-file-upload-in)
- [Joomla jDownloads file publication bypass with manipulated submission parameters](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-117550-joomla-extension-jdownloads-com-publishing-of-files-without)
- [Joomla jDownloads SSRF via external download URL](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-117543-joomla-extension-jdownloads-com-ssrf-via-external-download-url)
- [jDownloads Joomla extension unauthenticated file upload in upload-handler.php](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-61900-jdownloads-joomla-extension-unauthenticated-file-upload-in-upload)