CVE-2026-41887: Flarum: Path traversal in LESS parser via theme color settings (incomplete fix for CVE-2023-27577)

Published May 8, 2026
·
Updated

Flarum is open-source forum software. Prior to versions 1.8.16 and 2.0.0-rc.1, Flarum's patch for CVE-2023-27577 restricted the @import and data-uri() LESS features in the customless setting, but the same restriction was never applied to other settings registered as LESS config variables (for example themeprimarycolor and themesecondarycolor, as well as any key registered via Extend\Settings::registerLessConfigVar()). Those values are interpolated verbatim into the LESS source at compile time, allowing an authenticated administrator to craft a theme-color value that injects an arbitrary @import directive into the compiled forum.css. Because the underlying LESS parser honours @import (inline) '<path>', an attacker can read arbitrary files reachable by the PHP process (local file inclusion) or trigger outbound HTTP(S) requests (server-side request forgery). This issue has been patched in versions 1.8.16 and 2.0.0-rc.1.

Affected Software

1 affected component
Flarum Flarum<1.8.16, <2.0.0-rc.1

Event History

May 8, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·03:50 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·03:50 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·05:16 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-41887?

CVE-2026-41887 is considered a medium severity vulnerability due to path traversal risks in the LESS parser.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-41887?

To fix CVE-2026-41887, upgrade Flarum to versions 1.8.16 or 2.0.0-rc.1 or later.

3

What does CVE-2026-41887 affect?

CVE-2026-41887 affects Flarum versions prior to 1.8.16 and 2.0.0-rc.1.

4

What is the main issue with CVE-2026-41887?

The main issue with CVE-2026-41887 is a path traversal vulnerability in the LESS parser related to theme color settings.

5

Is CVE-2026-41887 a result of another vulnerability?

Yes, CVE-2026-41887 is an incomplete fix for the previously reported CVE-2023-27577.

Contact

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