CVE-2026-5597: Griptape-AI Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2026-5597 Overview

A path traversal vulnerability has been identified in griptape-ai griptape version 0.19.4. The vulnerability exists within the griptape\tools\computer\tool.py file of the ComputerTool component. An attacker can manipulate the filename argument to achieve arbitrary file path traversal, potentially enabling unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure. This vulnerability can be exploited remotely, and proof-of-concept exploitation code has been publicly disclosed. The vendor was contacted regarding this disclosure but did not respond.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers can exploit this path traversal flaw to read or write files outside the intended directory, potentially accessing sensitive configuration files, credentials, or executing arbitrary file operations on the target system.

Affected Products

• griptape-ai griptape version 0.19.4
• ComputerTool component (griptape\tools\computer\tool.py)

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-04-05 - CVE-2026-5597 published to NVD
• 2026-04-07 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-5597

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory), commonly known as Path Traversal or Directory Traversal. The ComputerTool component in griptape-ai griptape fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input for the filename parameter, allowing attackers to use special characters and sequences like ../ to escape the intended directory structure.

When a remote attacker supplies a crafted filename containing path traversal sequences, the application processes these malicious inputs without adequate validation. This enables the attacker to reference files in arbitrary locations on the file system, potentially leading to unauthorized information disclosure if reading files, or system compromise if writing files outside the designated directory.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient input validation in the ComputerTool component. The filename argument passed to functions within griptape\tools\computer\tool.py does not undergo proper sanitization to remove or neutralize directory traversal sequences. Without validation mechanisms such as canonicalization, allowlist-based filename validation, or proper path joining that prevents escape from designated directories, the application remains susceptible to path traversal attacks.

Attack Vector

This vulnerability is exploitable over the network without requiring user interaction. An authenticated attacker with low-level privileges can manipulate the filename parameter to include path traversal sequences such as ../ or encoded variants. The attack does not require any special conditions to execute, making it relatively straightforward to exploit once an attacker has access to the vulnerable functionality.

The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a limited degree, as successful exploitation could allow an attacker to read sensitive files, overwrite existing files, or disrupt normal file operations.

For technical details regarding exploitation, refer to the GitHub PoC Documentation.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-5597

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual file access patterns in application logs showing references to parent directories (../)
• Web application firewall or intrusion detection system alerts for path traversal attempts targeting griptape endpoints
• Log entries containing URL-encoded traversal sequences such as %2e%2e%2f or %2e%2e/

Detection Strategies

• Deploy web application firewalls (WAF) with rules to detect and block path traversal patterns in request parameters
• Implement file integrity monitoring on sensitive directories to detect unauthorized file reads or modifications
• Enable detailed logging for the ComputerTool component and monitor for suspicious filename patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Monitor application logs for anomalous file path requests that include traversal sequences
• Set up alerts for failed file access attempts or permission errors that may indicate exploitation attempts
• Audit access to sensitive system files and configuration directories regularly

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-5597

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict network access to systems running vulnerable versions of griptape until a patch is available
• Implement input validation at the application level to reject filenames containing path traversal sequences
• Deploy web application firewall rules to filter requests containing directory traversal patterns

Patch Information

At the time of publication, the vendor (griptape-ai) has not responded to disclosure attempts and no official patch is available. Users should monitor the official griptape-ai repositories and security advisories for updates. Refer to VulDB Vulnerability #355391 for ongoing tracking of this vulnerability.

Workarounds

• Implement server-side input validation to canonicalize file paths and verify they remain within expected directories
• Use allowlist-based validation for acceptable filename characters and patterns
• Run the griptape application with minimal file system permissions to limit the impact of potential exploitation
• Consider sandboxing the ComputerTool component to restrict its file system access scope

# Configuration example - Restrict directory access via file system permissions
chmod 750 /path/to/griptape/data
chown appuser:appgroup /path/to/griptape/data
# Ensure the application cannot traverse outside designated directories