CVE-2026-33173: Active Storage allows users to attach cloud and local files in Rails applications

Routine

MEDIUM 5.3REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2026-33173 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.3) affecting rails. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Active Storage allows users to attach cloud and local files in Rails applications. Prior to versions 8.1.2.1, 8.0.4.1, and 7.2.3.1, `DirectUploadsController` accepts arbitrary metadata from the client and persists it on the blob. Because internal flags like `identified` and `analyzed` are stored in the same metadata hash, a direct-upload client can set these flags to skip MIME detection and analysis. This allows an attacker to upload arbitrary co

Why this priority

Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.3 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 66%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-925
Published	2026-03-24
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: rubyonrails

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-03-24 00:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 10:37 UTCUpdated Record last modified

rubyonrails rails UPGRADE

Affected: < 7.2.3.1 · >= 8.0.0 and < 8.0.4.1 · >= 8.1.0 and < 8.1.2.1

Fixed in: 7.2.3.1, 8.0.4.1, 8.1.2.1

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.0.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy rails || rpm -q rails || rails --version

2. UPGRADE to 7.2.3.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade rails

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade rails

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 8.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison rails sudo apt install rails=<VERSION_BEFORE_8.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold rails

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list rails sudo dnf downgrade rails-<VERSION_BEFORE_8.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add rails

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

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-2026-33173?

rails: upgrade to 7.2.3.1, 8.0.4.1, 8.1.2.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-33173 being exploited?

CVE-2026-33173 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-2026-33173 affect?

CVE-2026-33173 affects rails. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.3). Active Storage allows users to attach cloud and local files in Rails applications. Prior to versions 8.1.2.1, 8.0.4.1, and 7.2.3.1, `DirectUploadsController` accepts arbitrary metadata from the client and persists it on the blob. Because in

How urgent is CVE-2026-33173?

Priority 32/100. Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Ruby on Rails vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

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References

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