CVE-2026-65768: Microsoft Teams Path Traversal Flaw

CVE-2026-65768 Overview

CVE-2026-65768 is a path traversal vulnerability in Microsoft Teams for Android. The flaw stems from improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory [CWE-22]. An unauthorized attacker can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code over a network. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a crafted resource within the Teams mobile client.

Microsoft published the advisory on August 11, 2026. The vulnerability affects the Android build of Microsoft Teams and is tracked in the Microsoft Security Response Center update guide.

Critical Impact
A remote attacker can achieve code execution on an Android device running a vulnerable version of Microsoft Teams, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the device and user data.

Affected Products

Microsoft Teams for Android
Android devices with a vulnerable Teams client installed
Enterprise environments distributing Teams through mobile device management

Discovery Timeline

2026-08-11 - CVE-2026-65768 published to NVD
2026-08-12 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-65768

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2026-65768 is classified under [CWE-22], improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. Microsoft Teams for Android accepts input that is used to construct file paths without adequately validating traversal sequences. An attacker can craft input containing directory traversal characters to reference files outside the intended directory. When the client processes the manipulated path, it writes or loads content in locations the application controls, enabling attacker-supplied code to run within the Teams process context.

The attack proceeds over a network and requires the target to interact with attacker-controlled content, such as clicking a link, opening a shared file, or joining a crafted session. Successful exploitation yields high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability on the affected device.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing or incomplete canonicalization of file path inputs before they are used in file system operations. The Teams Android client trusts path components derived from remote or shared inputs, allowing sequences such as ../ to escape the intended sandbox directory and target arbitrary locations accessible to the application.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based with low complexity. No privileges are required, but the victim must perform an action such as opening a message, attachment, or shared resource. Once the crafted path is processed, the attacker can drop or overwrite files that Teams later loads or executes, resulting in code execution within the app's permission scope on Android.

No public proof-of-concept code has been released. Technical detail is available in the Microsoft CVE-2026-65768 Advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-65768

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected files written outside the Teams application sandbox on Android devices
File paths containing traversal sequences such as ../ or encoded variants in Teams-related logs
Anomalous child processes or dynamic code loads originating from the Teams package

Detection Strategies

Inspect mobile threat defense telemetry for Teams process behavior that deviates from baseline, including unexpected file writes or executions.
Correlate network telemetry with mobile endpoint activity to identify crafted URLs or attachments delivered to Teams users prior to suspicious device events.
Review MDM compliance reports to identify devices running Teams versions predating the Microsoft-issued fix.

Monitoring Recommendations

Track Microsoft Teams Android version deployment across managed devices and flag out-of-date installations.
Monitor Microsoft 365 audit logs for atypical Teams client authentication or messaging activity following link or file delivery.
Alert on any mobile endpoint detections referencing path traversal patterns in application file access events.

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-65768

Immediate Actions Required

Update Microsoft Teams for Android to the fixed version distributed through the Google Play Store as referenced in the Microsoft advisory.
Enforce minimum Teams application versions through mobile device management policies and block launch of outdated builds.
Instruct users to avoid opening Teams messages, links, or attachments from untrusted senders until patching is confirmed.

Patch Information

Microsoft has published fix guidance in the Microsoft CVE-2026-65768 Advisory. Administrators should consult the advisory for the specific patched Teams for Android version and deploy updates through the Google Play Store or enterprise app distribution channels.

Workarounds

Restrict Teams external access and federation settings to limit unsolicited messages from untrusted tenants.
Apply conditional access policies requiring compliant, up-to-date mobile devices before granting access to Microsoft 365 services.
Increase user awareness of mobile phishing techniques that deliver crafted Teams content.

bash

# Example: enforce minimum Teams Android version via Intune app configuration
# Set the required minimum version to the Microsoft-published fixed build
MIN_TEAMS_VERSION="<fixed-version-from-msrc>"
az intune app-config set \
  --app "com.microsoft.teams" \
  --key "com.microsoft.intune.mam.MinimumRequiredAppVersion" \
  --value "$MIN_TEAMS_VERSION"