CVE-2026-29220: Apache OFBiz Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2026-29220 Overview

CVE-2026-29220 is a path traversal vulnerability in Apache OFBiz, an open-source enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The flaw stems from improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, classified under [CWE-22]. Attackers can exploit this issue over the network without authentication or user interaction. Successful exploitation allows reading or modifying files outside the intended directory, leading to limited confidentiality and integrity impact. The vulnerability affects all Apache OFBiz versions before 24.09.06, and upgrading to that release resolves the issue.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated remote attackers can traverse directory boundaries to access restricted files on Apache OFBiz servers, exposing sensitive configuration data and business records.

Affected Products

• Apache OFBiz versions prior to 24.09.06
• Deployments exposing the OFBiz web interface to untrusted networks
• ERP environments running unpatched Apache OFBiz instances

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-05-19 - CVE-2026-29220 published to NVD
• 2026-05-19 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-29220

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in Apache OFBiz request-handling logic that processes user-supplied path components without proper validation. An attacker submits crafted input containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ to escape the intended working directory. The application resolves these sequences against the filesystem, granting access to files outside the restricted scope.

The attack vector is network-based and requires no privileges or user interaction. Impact includes partial disclosure of file contents and limited modification of accessible resources. Availability remains unaffected, but exposed files may include configuration data, credentials, or business records stored on the OFBiz host.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing or insufficient canonicalization of pathname inputs before filesystem access. Apache OFBiz fails to normalize and validate path components against an allowlisted directory boundary. This omission allows traversal sequences to bypass the intended directory restriction.

Attack Vector

An unauthenticated attacker sends an HTTP request to a vulnerable Apache OFBiz endpoint with a manipulated path parameter. The request includes traversal tokens designed to reference files outside the application's working directory. Because validation occurs after path resolution, the server returns or processes the targeted file. No verified public proof-of-concept exploit is currently available. See the Apache Mailing List Discussion and the OpenWall OSS Security Update for technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-29220

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP request logs containing ../, ..\, or URL-encoded variants (%2e%2e%2f) targeting Apache OFBiz endpoints
• Unexpected access to files outside the OFBiz application directory, including /etc/passwd, configuration files, or ofbiz-component.xml
• Anomalous response sizes or content types returned from OFBiz request handlers

Detection Strategies

• Inspect web server and application logs for path traversal patterns directed at OFBiz request URIs
• Correlate failed and successful file access attempts originating from external IP addresses against known OFBiz endpoints
• Deploy web application firewall rules that flag directory traversal token sequences in query strings and POST bodies

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose access logging on Apache OFBiz front-end servers and forward logs to a centralized SIEM
• Alert on read access to sensitive system files originating from the OFBiz service account
• Track outbound data volume from OFBiz hosts to identify large or unusual file exfiltration

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-29220

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade Apache OFBiz to version 24.09.06 or later on all production and staging systems
• Restrict network access to OFBiz administrative and request-handling endpoints using firewall or reverse proxy rules
• Audit OFBiz logs for prior traversal attempts and review file access history on exposed hosts

Patch Information

Apache has released Apache OFBiz 24.09.06, which fixes the path traversal vulnerability. Administrators should review the Apache Mailing List Discussion for upgrade guidance and validate the patched version after deployment.

Workarounds

• Place a reverse proxy or web application firewall in front of OFBiz to block path traversal token patterns
• Limit OFBiz service account filesystem permissions to the minimum required directories
• Disable or restrict access to unused OFBiz endpoints that accept file path parameters