Crawl4AI before 0.8.7 is vulnerable to arbitrary file write via the output_path parameter in the /screenshot and /pdf endpoints, allowing attackers to...
Description
Crawl4AI before 0.8.7 is vulnerable to arbitrary file write via the output_path parameter in the /screenshot and /pdf endpoints, allowing attackers to overwrite critical server files.
AI Analyst Comment
Remediation
Update Crawl4AI Crawl4AI to the latest version. Check the vendor security advisory for specific patch details. Monitor for exploitation attempts and review access logs.
---METADATA---
VENDOR: Crawl4AI
PRODUCT: Crawl4AI
AFFECTED_VERSIONS: 0 up to (excluding) 0.8.7
CONFIDENCE: high
MISSING: none
---END_METADATA---
Description Summary:
Crawl4AI before 0.8.7 is vulnerable to arbitrary file write via the output_path parameter in the /screenshot and /pdf endpoints, allowing attackers to overwrite critical server files.
Executive Summary:
An unauthenticated arbitrary file write vulnerability in Crawl4AI allows remote attackers to overwrite server files, posing a critical risk to system integrity and availability.
Vulnerability Details
CVE-ID: CVE-2026-56260
Affected Software: Crawl4AI Crawl4AI
Affected Versions: 0 up to (excluding) 0.8.7
Vulnerability: The application fails to validate the
output_pathparameter in its Docker API server endpoints, enabling path traversal attacks. This flaw allows an unauthenticated attacker to write arbitrary files to any location accessible by the application process.Business Impact
Successful exploitation allows an attacker to overwrite sensitive system configuration files or binary files, leading to full service disruption or potential remote code execution. Given the CVSS score of 9.1, this vulnerability represents a severe threat to business continuity and infrastructure security.
Remediation Plan
Immediate Action: Update the Crawl4AI package to version 0.8.7 or later. This update includes necessary input validation to restrict the
output_pathparameter to intended directories.Proactive Monitoring: Review application logs for unusual path traversal patterns or unauthorized requests directed at the
/screenshotand/pdfendpoints.Compensating Controls: Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) rule to inspect and block requests containing path traversal sequences (e.g.,
../) within theoutput_pathparameter.Exploitation Status
Public Exploit Available: No (No confirmed public exploit available in current data).
Analyst Notes: As of July 12, 2026, there is no public information indicating active exploitation or a public proof-of-concept for this vulnerability. The flaw is inherently dangerous due to its lack of authentication requirements and the potential for direct filesystem manipulation.
Analyst Recommendation
This vulnerability is critical due to its ease of exploitation and the potential for total system impact. Organizations using Crawl4AI should prioritize upgrading to version 0.8.7 immediately to eliminate the path traversal risk.