# CVE-2026-76168: Apache James path traversal in SieveFileRepository

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-76168-in-apache-james-server-prior-version-3-9-1-relying-on-the  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-11-06. Updated: 2026-11-06  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-76168 · Severity: info · Published 2026-11-06

Apache James is a mail server that stores user email filtering rules (Sieve scripts). A flaw in how it validates file paths allows a logged-in attacker to set arbitrary filtering rules for other users. An attacker could exploit this to deny service or intercept other users' emails.

Technologies: [Apache James](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/james). Vendors: [Apache](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/apache).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-76168 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-76168 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-76168?** Informational severity, published 6 November 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Apache James prior to 3.9.1.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-76168?** Yes: fixed in 3.9.1. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-76168 attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-76168?** Check whether you run Apache James 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 3.9.1

## Technical details

The SieveFileRepository component in Apache James prior to 3.9.1 fails to properly validate file paths, allowing path traversal attacks. An authenticated attacker can exploit this to write arbitrary Sieve scripts for other users' accounts, potentially leading to email interception or denial of service.

## Affected products

- Apache James prior to 3.9.1

## Timeline

- 2026-11-06: disclosed

## References

- [https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/rpp3rx9zzn2hs3kp3kdko9oh3qrmdnk2](https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/rpp3rx9zzn2hs3kp3kdko9oh3qrmdnk2)

## Related threats

- [Apache James Mime4J resource exhaustion in MIME parsing](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-85111-allocation-of-resources-without-limits-or-throttling-in-apache)
- [Apache James server JMAP webPush SSRF validation bypass](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-76171-in-apache-james-server-prior-version-3-9-1-improper-validation-in)
- [Apache James ACL bypass in JMAP protocol](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-49939-in-apache-james-server-prior-version-3-9-1-improper-access)
- [Apache James SASL OAuthBearer/XOAUTH2 AUD claim validation bypass](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2025-66621-apache-james-sasl-oauthbearer-xoauth2-prior-versions-3-9-1-fails)