PatchTheCVECVE-2026-52824: Kimai is an open-source time tracking application
CVE-2026-52824 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.1) affecting affected software. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
Kimai is an open-source time tracking application. Prior to 2.58.0, the official Docker image sets APP_SECRET to the public value change_this_to_something_unique in Dockerfile, and .docker/entrypoint.sh neither replaces nor rejects that value before Symfony uses it as kernel.secret. An unauthenticated attacker who reaches a deployment that did not override APP_SECRET, knows a username, correctly guesses the account ID associated with that usernam
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.1 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | High |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 1.3% (top 29%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-1188 |
| Published | 2026-09-15 |
| Last modified | 2026-09-30 |
Last updated 2026-09-30 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Exact fixes by distribution
Public exploits and detection
Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.
- GitHub PoC: AzureADTrent/CVE-2026-52824 (0 stars)
- Nuclei scan template: Kimai <= 2.57.0 - Default APP_SECRET Authentication Bypass
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-2026-52824?
No fixed release is listed yet. Watch the vendor advisory and apply any mitigation shown on this page.
Is CVE-2026-52824 being exploited?
CVE-2026-52824 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-2026-52824 affect?
CVE-2026-52824 affects affected software. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.1). Kimai is an open-source time tracking application. Prior to 2.58.0, the official Docker image sets APP_SECRET to the public value change_this_to_something_unique in Dockerfile, and .docker/entrypoint.sh neither replaces nor rejects that val
How urgent is CVE-2026-52824?
Priority 55/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action