CVE-2026-41693 Details
Description
i18next-fs-backend is a backend layer for i18next using in Node.js and for Deno to load translations from the filesystem. Prior to version 2.6.4, i18next-fs-backend substitutes the lng and ns options directly into the configured loadPath / addPath templates and then read / write the resulting file from disk. The interpolation is unencoded and unvalidated, so a crafted lng or ns value — containing .., a path separator, a control character, a prototype key, or simply an unexpectedly long string — allows an attacker who can influence either value to read or overwrite files outside the intended locale directory. When lng / ns are derived from untrusted input (request-scoped i18next instances behind an HTTP layer such as i18next-http-middleware, or any framework that lets the end user pick the language via query string, cookie, or header), a single request such as ?lng=../../../../etc/passwd causes the backend to attempt to read that path. This issue has been patched in version 2.6.4.
A path traversal vulnerability has been identified in i18next-fs-backend versions prior to 2.6.4. This vulnerability allows for arbitrary file reading and overwriting by exploiting unsanitized 'lng' and 'ns' options, which are directly interpolated into file path templates without proper validation. When these options are derived from untrusted input, an attacker can manipulate the values to access or modify files outside the designated locale directory. The issue arises in Node.js environments, particularly when i18next instances are exposed to HTTP layers that allow user input to dictate language preferences.
Users are advised to upgrade to i18next-fs-backend version 2.6.4 or later. If an immediate upgrade is not possible, 'lng' and 'ns' values should be sanitized at the application level to remove any potentially harmful characters or patterns before they are processed by the i18next-fs-backend.
Metrics
CVSS 4.0 Severity and Vector Strings:
CVSS 3.x Severity and Vector Strings:
No data available for CVSS Version 2.0 on this CVE.
Volerion
Assessed May 8, 2026CISA-ADP
Assessed May 13, 2026References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
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| URL | Source(s) | Tag(s) |
|---|---|---|
| https://github.com/i18next/i18next-fs-backend/security/advisories/GHSA-8847-338w-5hcj | [email protected] | AdvisoryRemedyVendor |
Weakness Enumeration
| CWE-ID | CWE Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CWE-22 | Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') | [email protected] |
| CWE-73 | External Control of File Name or Path | [email protected] |
Affected Products
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| i18next-fs-backend | All versions |
CPE
Remediation
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Change History
3 change records found show changes
| Date | Action | Recorded By |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | [email protected] |
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | CISA-ADP |
| May 8, 2026 | New CVE Received | [email protected] |
Volerion