CVE-2026-52835: Tautulli: Path traversal / arbitrary file write via unsanitized upload filename in import_config and import_database
Tautulli is a Python based monitoring and tracking tool for Plex Media Server. Prior to 2.17.2, the importconfig handler and the databasefile branch of importdatabase in plexpy/webserve.py join the attacker-controlled configfile.filename or databasefile.filename directly to CACHEDIR without basename reduction or a containment check. An administrator or caller with the instance API key can submit a multipart filename containing parent-directory segments, causing the upload to be created or overwritten outside CACHEDIR before file-content validation runs. The write is limited to paths permitted to the Tautulli process, but it can enable configuration tampering, service disruption, or code execution. This issue is fixed in version 2.17.2.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
Tautullito a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2.17.2
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can exploit this issue?
An administrator or a caller that possesses the Tautulli instance API key can exploit the affected upload handlers. The attacker must be able to submit a multipart upload with a crafted filename containing parent-directory segments.
Are installations running version 2.17.2 affected?
No. The issue is fixed in Tautulli version 2.17.2; versions prior to 2.17.2 are affected.
What can an attacker write, and what limits apply?
A crafted upload filename can cause a file to be created or overwritten outside CACHE_DIR before file-content validation occurs. Writes remain limited by the filesystem permissions of the Tautulli process.
What should be prioritized if an immediate upgrade is not possible?
Restrict access to Tautulli administration functions and protect the instance API key from untrusted callers. Because exploitation requires an administrator or API-key holder, reducing access to those capabilities reduces exposure.