# CVE-2026-88023: MongoDB PHP Library improper query neutralization in GridFS

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-88023-mongodb-php-library-improper-query-neutralization-in-gridfs  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-09-10. Updated: 2026-09-26  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-88023 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.3 · Published 2026-09-10

The MongoDB PHP Library's GridFS component, used for storing and retrieving large files, fails to properly sanitize file identifiers when building database queries. An authenticated attacker who can control how a file is referenced could read unintended files, delete all files in a storage bucket, or rename the wrong file. This puts sensitive file content at risk of unauthorized access or loss.

Technologies: [MongoDB PHP Library](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/php-library), [mongodb/mongodb (Packagist)](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/mongodb-mongodb). Vendors: [MongoDB](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/mongodb), [Packagist](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/packagist).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-88023 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-88023 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-88023?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.3, published 10 September 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** MongoDB PHP Library before 2.4.2 and 1.21.5; mongodb/mongodb (Packagist) ECOSYSTEM:introduced=1.1.0,fixed=1.24.5.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-88023?** Yes. mongodb/mongodb (Packagist): upgrade to 1.24.5 or later. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-88023 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-88023?** Check whether you run MongoDB PHP Library or mongodb/mongodb (Packagist) 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

- mongodb/mongodb (Packagist): upgrade to 1.24.5 or later

  ```sh
  composer require mongodb/mongodb:^1.24.5
  ```


## Technical details

The vulnerability is an improper neutralization of special elements in data query logic (CWE-89 equivalent – query injection) within the GridFS component of the MongoDB PHP Library. The root cause is that caller-supplied file identifiers are interpolated directly into database query conditions instead of being matched as literal values using the $eq operator. An authenticated user with the ability to influence the file identifier parameter can craft a structured object that is interpreted as a query condition, allowing them to retrieve stored file content beyond the intended target, delete all chunks in the affected bucket, or rename unintended files. Attack requires application-level authentication and the ability to control the file ID parameter. Patches are available in version 2.4.2 and 1.21.5.

## Affected products

- MongoDB PHP Library before 2.4.2 and 1.21.5

## Identifiers

- CVE-2026-88023
- GHSA-8fxw-fmj8-xp7j

## Timeline

- 2026-09-10: disclosed
- 2026-09-10: patched: Versions 2.4.2 and 1.21.5 released with fix

## References

- [https://jira.mongodb.org/browse/PHPLIB-1929](https://jira.mongodb.org/browse/PHPLIB-1929)

## Related threats

- [MongoDB PHP Library GridFS query-operator injection in file IDs](https://junglewise.ai/threats/duplicate-advisory-gridfs-data-disclosure-and-deletion-via-query-54bfca26)
- [MongoDB PHP library namespace injection in database and collection names](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-81525-mongodb-php-library-namespace-injection-in-database-and)