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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2026-48049 hapijs CVE debrief

CVE-2026-48049 is a medium-severity vulnerability in @hapi/inert, a static file and directory handler for hapi.js. The vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to read files via a directory traversal attack. The issue arises from a flawed confinement check that compares the resolved absolute path against the confine directory using a raw string-prefix test. This allows an attacker to access files outside the intended directory by using a sibling directory and URL-encoded ../ characters. The vulnerability was fixed in version 7.1.1. Developers and administrators using @hapi/inert versions between 4.0.0 and 7.1.0 should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to mitigate it.

Vendor
hapijs
Product
inert
CVSS
MEDIUM 5.3
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-07-17
Original CVE updated
2026-07-21
Advisory published
2026-07-17
Advisory updated
2026-07-21

Who should care

Developers and administrators using @hapi/inert versions between 4.0.0 and 7.1.0 should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to mitigate it. This includes reviewing and restricting file system access permissions, implementing additional monitoring and logging to detect potential attacks, and updating @hapi/inert to version 7.1.1 or later.

Technical summary

The vulnerability in @hapi/inert arises from a flawed confinement check that compares the resolved absolute path against the confine directory using a raw string-prefix test. This allows an attacker to access files outside the intended directory by using a sibling directory and URL-encoded ../ characters. The issue was fixed in version 7.1.1. Affected product deployments should be reviewed for exposure, and compensating controls should be implemented while remediation is scheduled and verified.

Defensive priority

Medium

Recommended defensive actions

  • Update @hapi/inert to version 7.1.1 or later
  • Review and restrict file system access permissions
  • Implement additional monitoring and logging to detect potential attacks
  • Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up
  • Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified
  • Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review
  • Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-07-17T22:17:14.557Z and has not been modified since then. The NVD entry is currently 5.3 (Medium). Evidence is limited to public sources and may not reflect the full scope or impact of the vulnerability. Defenders should verify affected deployments and review official advisories for specific guidance.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-48049 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-48049

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2026-48049 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-48049

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.