# CVE-2026-54708: FreePBX backup module arbitrary code execution via path traversal

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-54708-freepbx-is-an-open-source-ip-pbx-prior-to-versions-16-0-72-and-17  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-09-28. Updated: 2026-09-28  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-54708 · Severity: info · Published 2026-09-28

FreePBX is an open-source phone system (IP PBX) used by organizations to manage voice communications. A vulnerability in its backup restoration feature allows authenticated administrators to upload and execute malicious code on the server by exploiting improper path validation, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data theft.

Technologies: [FreePBX](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/freepbx-freepbx). Vendors: [FreePBX](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/freepbx).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-54708 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-54708 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-54708?** Informational severity, published 28 September 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** FreePBX 16.0.0 to 16.0.71, 17.0.0 to 17.0.6.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-54708?** A patch was published on 2026-06-12: Versions 16.0.72 and 17.0.7 released Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-54708 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a network appliance.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-54708?** Check whether you run FreePBX 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 backup module fails to properly sanitize file paths during restore operations, allowing authenticated users with backup/restore access to perform path traversal and write arbitrary PHP files to the web root. An attacker with valid credentials and sufficient permissions can exploit this to execute arbitrary code as the asterisk service user. The issue was patched in versions 16.0.72 and 17.0.7.

## Affected products

- FreePBX FreePBX 16.0.0 to 16.0.71, 17.0.0 to 17.0.6

## Timeline

- 2026-06-12: disclosed
- 2026-06-12: patched: Versions 16.0.72 and 17.0.7 released

## References

- [https://github.com/FreePBX/security-reporting/security/advisories/GHSA-5hhg-w366-g6fh](https://github.com/FreePBX/security-reporting/security/advisories/GHSA-5hhg-w366-g6fh)

## Related threats

- [FreePBX API command injection in documentation generator](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-75600-freepbx-is-an-open-source-ip-pbx-prior-to-version-17-0-9)
- [FreePBX Superfecta arbitrary PHP code execution](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-54710-freepbx-is-an-open-source-ip-pbx-prior-to-versions-16-0-40-and-17)
- [FreePBX path traversal in soundlang file upload leading to RCE](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-54675-freepbx-is-an-open-source-ip-pbx-prior-to-versions-16-0-10-and-17)
- [FreePBX command injection in User Control Panel](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-54674-freepbx-is-an-open-source-ip-pbx-prior-to-versions-16-0-39-and-17)
- [FreePBX Music on Hold module command injection](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-45562-freepbx-is-an-open-source-ip-pbx-prior-to-versions-16-0-4-and-17)