CVE-2026-118485: Axel Download Accelerator 2.17.14 and earlier performs URL percent-decoding (http_decode()) on the output file

Routine

HIGH 8.1

CVE-2026-118485 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.1) affecting affected software. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Axel Download Accelerator 2.17.14 and earlier performs URL percent-decoding (http_decode()) on the output filename after the URL has been parsed and the filename component extracted. This allows an attacker to embed %2e%2e%2f (URL-encoded ../) sequences in the URL path. These sequences survive the URL parser intact (they contain no literal / characters) but are decoded into directory traversal sequences before the output file is opened for writin

Why this priority

High severity

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.1 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	n/a
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-24
Published	2026-10-28
Last modified	2026-10-28

Publisher (CNA): OCD

Last updated 2026-10-28 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Timeline

2026-10-28 12:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-28 15:24 UTCUpdated Record last modified

Advisories and coverage

Research and news

Vulners Bulletins: CVE-2026-118485 Axel Download Accelerator Path Traversal via URL Filename Decoding 2026-10-28
Vulners Bulletins: CVE-2026-118485 Axel Download Accelerator Path Traversal via URL Filename Decoding 2026-10-28

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-118485?

No fixed release is listed yet. Watch the vendor advisory and apply any mitigation shown on this page.

Is CVE-2026-118485 being exploited?

CVE-2026-118485 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-118485 affect?

CVE-2026-118485 affects affected software. Severity is high (CVSS 8.1). Axel Download Accelerator 2.17.14 and earlier performs URL percent-decoding (http_decode()) on the output filename after the URL has been parsed and the filename component extracted. This allows an attacker to embed %2e%2e%2f (URL-encoded .

How urgent is CVE-2026-118485?

Priority 28/100. High severity

References

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