CVE-2026-26228: videolan vlc for android Path Traversal

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2026-26228 is a medium (CVSS 4.9) Path Traversal vulnerability in videolan vlc for android. EPSS estimates a 0.42% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 35.1% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 26-02-2026
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 13-10-2026
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

VideoLAN VLC for Android prior to version 3.7.0 contains a path traversal vulnerability in the Remote Access Server routing for the authenticated endpoint GET /download. The file query parameter is concatenated into a filesystem path under the configured download directory without canonicalization or directory containment checks, allowing an authenticated attacker with network reachability to the Remote Access Server to request files outside the intended directory. The impact is bounded by the Android application sandbox and storage restrictions, typically limiting exposure to app-internal and app-specific external storage.

• CWE-22Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.
• CWE-73External Control of File Name or PathThe product allows user input to control or influence paths or file names that are used in filesystem operations.