Path traversal in izpack
Key facts
- Attack vector
- Network
- Privileges required
- None
- User interaction
- Required
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Impact type
- —
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- None · High · None
- Fix status
- Fixed
Attack profile from CVSS 3.1 · CNA. Fix status from CNA and GitHub.
Summary
IzPack is a widely used tool for packaging applications on the Java platform as cross-platform installers. In 5.2.6 and earlier, UnpackerBase.unpack() in izpack-installer/src/main/java/com/izforge/izpack/installer/unpacker/UnpackerBase.java obtains an attacker-controlled PackFile targetPath, passes it through IoHelper.translatePath(), which only converts separators, and constructs a File without normalizing parent-directory segments or enforcing destination containment. A malicious installer pack entry containing ../ sequences can therefore write outside the intended installation directory to startup folders, executable search paths, or other locations accessible with the victim's privileges when the victim runs the installer.
Why it matters now
SSVC decision points
CISA ADP · SSVC 2.0.3
- Exploitation
- Poc
- Automatable
- No
- Technical impact
- Partial
The decision (Track, Attend, Act) also depends on your mission and well-being impact; see CISA's SSVC guide.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| izpack | izpack | up to 5.2.6 | — | No fix listed | CNA |
| — | org.codehaus.izpack:izpack-installer (Maven) | before 5.2.7 | 5.2.7 | Patch available | GHSA-f63g-88cj-hjf9 |
- izpack Vendorizpack Affected up to 5.2.6 Fixed in — No fix listed CNA
- org.codehaus.izpack:izpack-installer (Maven) Vendor— Affected before 5.2.7 Fixed in 5.2.7 Patch available GHSA-f63g-88cj-hjf9
Remediation
- Fix · GHSA-f63g-88cj-hjf9 org.codehaus.izpack:izpack-installer (Maven) Fixed in 5.2.7 Advisory →
Timeline
- 2026-10-02 Threatist record created from CVE-2026-54550
- 2026-10-03 Alias added: GHSA-f63g-88cj-hjf9
References
Other 6
- https://github.com/izpack/izpack/security/advisories/GHSA-f63g-88cj-hjf9
- https://github.com/izpack/izpack/pull/1193
- https://github.com/izpack/izpack/commit/4233ba38d0f1825f9cf3e0204e5261a5498e29d8
- https://github.com/izpack/izpack/commit/8b7c6792c4fe85e3b1759c106aae39b904848466
- https://github.com/izpack/izpack
- https://github.com/izpack/izpack/releases/tag/izpack-5.2.7
Sources
- CVE-2026-54550 · CVE Program
- CVE-2026-54550 · NVD
- FIRST EPSS
- GHSA-f63g-88cj-hjf9 · GitHub Advisory Database · CC BY 4.0
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences