CVE-2026-65754 Overview
CVE-2026-65754 is a path traversal vulnerability [CWE-22] in the Regular Labs ReReplacer extension. XML include paths processed by the extension can resolve to files outside the intended site directory. Attackers who can influence these include paths may read sensitive files from the host filesystem, including configuration files that store database credentials and application secrets.
The issue stems from insufficient validation of file paths supplied through XML include directives. Public technical details remain limited at the time of publication.
Critical Impact
Unauthorized read access to files outside the site root, enabling disclosure of configuration files, credentials, and other sensitive data hosted on the affected server.
Affected Products
- Regular Labs ReReplacer extension
- Joomla installations using ReReplacer with XML include functionality
- Web servers hosting the vulnerable extension
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-07-23 - CVE-2026-65754 published to NVD
- 2026-07-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-65754
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in how ReReplacer resolves XML include paths. The extension accepts a path string and loads the referenced XML content without constraining resolution to the site's document root. Attackers who can supply or influence the include path can reference arbitrary locations on the filesystem using directory traversal sequences.
Successful exploitation returns the contents of the referenced file to the attacker or into the rendering context. This turns a content-processing feature into a file read primitive.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient canonicalization and boundary enforcement on include path inputs. The code does not verify that the resolved absolute path remains inside the permitted site directory before opening the file. This maps directly to CWE-22, Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory.
Attack Vector
An attacker with the ability to author or modify content processed by ReReplacer supplies an XML include directive containing traversal sequences such as ../ or an absolute path. When the extension processes the content, it opens the referenced file and returns its contents. Targets include Joomla configuration files, credential stores, and other server-local resources.
No verified proof-of-concept is publicly available. Refer to the Regular Labs Security Resources page for vendor-provided technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-65754
Indicators of Compromise
- Web server access logs showing requests containing ../ sequences or absolute paths in parameters processed by ReReplacer
- Application logs recording XML include operations that resolve outside the site directory
- File access audit events for sensitive files such as configuration.php originating from the web server process
Detection Strategies
- Inspect ReReplacer content entries and stored XML fragments for include directives referencing paths outside the site root
- Correlate web request patterns with subsequent reads of sensitive configuration files by the PHP process
- Deploy web application firewall rules that flag traversal patterns in requests targeting Joomla component endpoints
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable filesystem auditing on directories containing credentials, keys, and configuration files
- Monitor outbound responses for signatures of leaked configuration content, such as database connection strings
- Track administrative actions that modify ReReplacer rules for unexpected include path additions
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-65754
Immediate Actions Required
- Audit all ReReplacer rules and remove any XML include directives referencing paths outside the site root
- Restrict administrative access to the ReReplacer extension to trusted operators only
- Rotate credentials contained in files that may have been exposed through the affected component
Patch Information
Consult the Regular Labs Security Resources page for the current fixed release and vendor guidance. Apply the vendor-supplied update as soon as it becomes available and validate the fix in a staging environment before production rollout.
Workarounds
- Disable the ReReplacer extension until a patched version is applied
- Enforce filesystem permissions so the web server user cannot read sensitive files outside the site directory
- Apply web application firewall rules that block traversal sequences in request parameters targeting the extension
# Configuration example
# Restrict PHP open_basedir to the site directory to limit file read scope
php_admin_value open_basedir "/var/www/site:/tmp"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
