CVE-2026-54454: Unrestricted File Upload Flaw in OpenCATS Scores 9.1 on CVSS

A critical unrestricted file upload tracked as CVE-2026-54454 has been published in the National Vulnerability Database for OpenCATS, with a CVSS base score of 9.1.

At a glance

CVE

CVE-2026-54454

Product

OpenCATS

CVSS

9.1 Critical

Weakness

unrestricted file upload

Exploited

No known exploitation

What is the vulnerability?

The NVD entry states: OpenCATS is an open-source applicant tracking system and recruitment CRM for staffing agencies and hiring teams. Prior to 0.10.0, the OpenCATS Import module in modules/import/ImportUI.php can preserve an uploaded file's original name for one import data type and place the file in the web-accessible temporary directory. An authenticated user with Import privileges can select the affected import path and upload a PHP file that remains under an attacker-controlled executable filename, and an import error can leave the file on disk. If the temporary directory is served with PHP execution enabled, requesting the staged file can execute arbitrary PHP code with the web server process privileges, exposing or modifying recruiting data and the host system. This issue is fixed in version 0.10.0.

Affected versions

CVSS vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H.

Is it being exploited?

There is no public confirmation of exploitation at the time of publication. It does not appear in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. We will update this report if that changes.

What should you do?

• Identify whether the affected product and versions run in your environment.
• Apply the vendor update listed in the advisory as soon as it is available.
• Limit network exposure of the affected service until it is patched.
• Monitor the vendor advisory for updated guidance or exploitation reports.

What to do and how to stay safe: CVE-2026-54454

• Vulnerability severity scores ignore your specific architecture and context.
• Exploitability depends on network exposure and user behavior, not just code flaws.
• Prioritization requires continuous asset inventory and threat intelligence alignment.

Risk-based vulnerability management focuses your limited resources on the flaws that actually threaten your business. Start by mapping your critical assets and checking for active exploits to prioritize your backlog.

Step-by-step guide: Risk-Based Vulnerability Management: Prioritize Fixes by Actual Danger

General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-54454?

CVE-2026-54454 is a unrestricted file upload vulnerability in OpenCATS.

How severe is CVE-2026-54454?

It has a CVSS score of 9.1 Critical.

Is CVE-2026-54454 being exploited?

There is no public confirmation of exploitation at the time of publication.