CVE-2026-29597: Acora CMS Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2026-29597 Overview

CVE-2026-29597 is an incorrect access control vulnerability affecting the file_details.asp endpoint in DDSN Interactive Acora CMS version 10.7.1. This vulnerability allows attackers who have already obtained editor-level privileges to escalate their access and retrieve sensitive files through crafted requests. The flaw represents a broken access control issue (CWE-284) that enables unauthorized file access beyond the intended scope of editor permissions.

Critical Impact

Attackers with low-privilege editor accounts can exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or other protected system files, potentially leading to further system compromise.

Affected Products

• DDSN Interactive Acora CMS v10.7.1
• Acora CMS installations with the file_details.asp endpoint exposed

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-30 - CVE-2026-29597 published to NVD
• 2026-04-01 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-29597

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from improper access control implementation in the file_details.asp endpoint of Acora CMS. The endpoint fails to properly validate whether a user with editor privileges should have access to specific files, allowing authenticated users to request files outside their authorized scope. While the vulnerability requires an authenticated user with editor privileges (low privilege requirement), the impact is significant as it enables confidentiality breaches by exposing sensitive file contents.

The attack can be executed remotely over the network without requiring user interaction, making it relatively straightforward for an attacker who has compromised or legitimately obtained an editor account to exploit.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in insufficient authorization checks within the file_details.asp endpoint. The application validates that the user is authenticated and has editor privileges, but fails to verify whether the requested file path falls within the authorized directories or resources that an editor should be permitted to access. This missing validation allows path manipulation to access files that should be restricted to higher privilege levels or system administrators only.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploited via network-based requests to the vulnerable endpoint. An attacker with valid editor credentials constructs crafted HTTP requests to the file_details.asp endpoint, manipulating file path parameters to reference sensitive files outside the normal editor access scope. The attack flow involves:

1. Authenticating to the CMS with editor credentials
2. Sending crafted requests to file_details.asp with manipulated file path parameters
3. Receiving file contents that should be restricted from editor-level access

The vulnerability mechanism involves path manipulation in HTTP requests to the file_details.asp endpoint. An attacker with editor privileges constructs requests specifying file paths outside their authorized scope. The endpoint processes these requests without adequate authorization validation, returning file contents to the unauthorized user. For detailed technical analysis, refer to the GitHub CVE-2026-29597 Repository.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-29597

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual access patterns to file_details.asp endpoint from editor accounts
• HTTP requests to file_details.asp containing directory traversal sequences or references to sensitive system files
• Log entries showing editor accounts accessing configuration files, database files, or system directories
• Anomalous file access requests outside normal content management directories

Detection Strategies

• Monitor web server access logs for requests to file_details.asp with suspicious file path parameters
• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal attempts
• Deploy behavioral analytics to identify editor accounts accessing files outside typical content directories
• Review authentication logs for editor accounts showing unusual file access patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for the file_details.asp endpoint including full request parameters
• Correlate file access attempts with user privilege levels to identify authorization violations
• Set up alerts for access to sensitive file paths such as configuration files, database backups, or system directories
• Implement file integrity monitoring on sensitive directories to detect unauthorized access or exfiltration

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-29597

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict access to the file_details.asp endpoint to only administrator-level accounts until a patch is available
• Implement additional authentication checks or IP-based restrictions on the vulnerable endpoint
• Review and audit all editor account activities for signs of prior exploitation
• Consider temporarily disabling the file_details.asp functionality if not operationally critical

Patch Information

Organizations using DDSN Interactive Acora CMS v10.7.1 should monitor vendor channels for security updates. Refer to the DDSN Security Insights and Acora Security Resource pages for official patch announcements and remediation guidance.

Workarounds

• Implement strict allowlist validation for file paths accessible via file_details.asp
• Configure web server rules to block requests to file_details.asp containing path traversal sequences
• Deploy WAF rules to filter requests with suspicious path manipulation patterns
• Limit editor account capabilities through additional role-based access controls at the application level

Administrators can implement web server-level restrictions by configuring URL rewrite rules or access control lists that limit which file paths can be requested through the vulnerable endpoint. Additionally, implementing input validation at the application layer to ensure requested file paths remain within authorized directories provides defense-in-depth until an official patch is available.