CVE-2026-45342: LinkAce: IDOR in Update Policies Allows Any Authenticated User to Overwrite Other Users' Links, Lists, Tags, and Notes
LinkAce is a self-hosted archive to collect website links. Prior to 2.5.6, LinkAce contains an Insecure Direct Object Reference vulnerability in the authorization policy layer that allows any authenticated user to modify resources owned by other users. The affected resource types are links, lists, tags, and notes. Both the web UI and the REST API are vulnerable. The root cause is in the update() methods of all four model policies: LinkPolicy, LinkListPolicy, TagPolicy, and NotePolicy. Each delegates to an access-check method (e.g., userCanAccessLink()) that returns true for any resource with non-private visibility, regardless of who owns it. This means any registered user can edit any public or internal resource across the entire instance. The delete() methods in the same policy files correctly require ownership via $link->user->is($user), which confirms that update was intended to be owner-only. The same flaw exists in the API layer through AuthorizesUserApiActions::userCanUpdateModel(), which mirrors the broken visibility-only check instead of the ownership check used by userCanDeleteModel(). Bulk edit operations via BulkEditController are also affected. This vulnerability is fixed in 2.5.6.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
LinkAceto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2.5.6 - Compensating control
Restrict authenticated access to the LinkAce web UI and REST API (including BulkEditController endpoints) to only trusted users until the instance is upgraded to LinkAce 2.5.6, since any authenticated user can overwrite other users' links, lists, tags, and notes.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-45342?
CVE-2026-45342 has a risk score of 52, indicating a moderate severity level.
How do I fix CVE-2026-45342?
To fix CVE-2026-45342, upgrade to LinkAce version 2.5.6 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed.
What types of resources are affected by CVE-2026-45342?
CVE-2026-45342 affects links, lists, tags, and notes that can be modified by any authenticated user.
Who is impacted by CVE-2026-45342?
Any authenticated users of LinkAce prior to version 2.5.6 are impacted by CVE-2026-45342 due to direct object reference flaws.
What does IDOR mean in the context of CVE-2026-45342?
IDOR in CVE-2026-45342 stands for Insecure Direct Object Reference, which allows users to access or modify unauthorized resources.