CVE-2026-105865: Payload: Incomplete validation during the upload file lifecycle
Payload is a free and open source headless content management system. In versions before 3.90.0 and canary versions before 4.0.0-canary.34, an authenticated user who can update or delete uploads stored locally can cause file cleanup to remove unintended files outside the configured upload directory, resulting in data loss or service disruption. Deployments that restrict upload management to trusted users are less exposed. This issue is fixed in versions 3.90.0 and 4.0.0-canary.34.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
Payloadto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 3.90.0 - Upgrade
Upgrade
Payloadto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 4.0.0-canary.34 - Compensating control
Restrict upload management, including updating or deleting locally stored uploads, to trusted users.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
Which deployments are most exposed to this issue?
Deployments that store uploads locally and allow authenticated users to update or delete uploads are exposed. Environments that restrict upload management to trusted users are less exposed.
What access does an attacker need?
An attacker needs an authenticated account with permission to update or delete locally stored uploads. No user interaction is required.
What can an attacker do?
They can cause the file-cleanup process to remove unintended files outside the configured upload directory, potentially causing data loss or service disruption.
Which versions contain the fix?
The issue is fixed in Payload CMS 3.90.0 and 4.0.0-canary.34. Versions before 3.90.0 and canary versions before 4.0.0-canary.34 are affected.