Agent Zero: Directory traversal in save_file_b64 allows arbitrary file writes
Summary
Agent Zero versions 1.7 to 1.10 contain a directory traversal flaw in the file browser method FileBrowser.save_file_b64 (python/helpers/file_browser.py). The method uses user-supplied file paths without normalization or validation. An attacker who can send requests to the web interface, or who can steer the AI agent through prompts, may write files outside the intended workspace, for example to cron or SSH configuration locations. The CVE record does not state which authentication conditions apply.
Affected
- agent-zero 1.7
- agent-zero 1.8
- agent-zero 1.9
- agent-zero 1.10
- Component: python/helpers/file_browser.py, FileBrowser.save_file_b64
- Whether version 2.x is affected: Unknown.
Fixed in
Unknown. No vendor advisory with a fixed version was found.
Workaround
- Do not expose the Agent Zero web interface to the internet.
- Restrict access to the web interface with a VPN or an authenticated reverse proxy.
- Run Agent Zero in a container with minimal host mounts.
- Restrict write permissions of the Agent Zero process on the host.
Exploitation
- CISA SSVC: exploitation status 'poc', automatable 'yes', technical impact 'partial'.
- CISA KEV: not listed. No reports of active exploitation were found.
- Public proof of concept: unclear. The public issue and gist describe the flaw with a reproduction; not all sources agree.
Our recommendation
- Identify all Agent Zero instances and confirm their versions.
- Remove internet exposure of the web interface immediately if versions 1.7 to 1.10 are in use.
- Restrict access to trusted networks and enable authentication.
- Apply an upstream fix or upgrade once a fixed version is confirmed by the vendor.
- Monitor the host for unexpected file changes, especially in cron, SSH and configuration directories.
Public exploits
PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit and Exploit-DB list nothing for this CVE.
Research sources
- CVE-2026-51852 Gist (Ro1ME) gist.github.com
- agent0ai/agent-zero Issue #1540 github.com
- VulDB CVE-2026-51852 vuldb.com
- Strix CVE-2026-51852 www.strix.ai
- TheHackerWire CVE-2026-51852 www.thehackerwire.com
- thirdeyenation/agent-zero Pull Request #161 github.com
- Agent Zero v1.10 release notes newreleases.io
Researched and written up in English and German by an AI (Claude by Anthropic) based on NVD, CISA, EPSS and the sources listed. The vendor information is authoritative. Researched on 2 Nov 2026, 23:58.
Original description (NVD)
agent-zero 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, and 1.10 is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in python/helpers/file_browser.py:FileBrowser.save_file_b64. The save_file_b64 method accepts user-controlled file paths without normalization or validation, allowing path traversal attacks.
Sources
The tracker combines official, freely usable data sources – updated continuously:
- NVD (NIST) – CVEs, rating (CVSS), affected products
- CISA KEV – vulnerabilities confirmed by CISA as actively exploited
- CISA Vulnrichment – CISA assessment (SSVC) in the official CVE record
- FIRST EPSS – probability of exploitation
- Microsoft MSRC – Patch Tuesday: vulnerabilities, severity, updates
- PoC-in-GitHub – public proof-of-concept repositories
- Metasploit (Rapid7) – modules of the Metasploit Framework
- Exploit-DB (OffSec) – archive of public exploits (links only)
- Patch days: official vendor pages (linked per vendor) (Vendor patch days)
This product uses data from the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. EPSS data © FIRST.org.
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