CVE-2023-40028
MediumPublic exploitGhost vulnerable to arbitrary file read via symlinks in content import
Published Aug 15, 2023 · Updated Sep 8, 2026 · Also known as BIT-ghost-2023-40028, GHSA-9c9v-w225-v5rg
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2023-40028 is a medium-severity vulnerability (CVSS 6.5 v3.1) affecting Ghost.
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 69% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Ghost 5.59.1.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
CVSS v3.1
6.5
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
69%
Higher than 99.3% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
No known
Not in a known-exploited catalog
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2023-40028 brief as a PDF
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Description
Ghost is an open source content management system. Versions prior to 5.59.1 are subject to a vulnerability which allows authenticated users to upload files that are symlinks. This can be exploited to perform an arbitrary file read of any file on the host operating system. Site administrators can check for exploitation of this issue by looking for unknown symlinks within Ghost's content/ folder. Version 5.59.1 contains a fix for this issue. All users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.
Affected Products
4 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| GhostGhost | >= < 5.59.1 | 5.59.1 |
Patched Releases
Ghost
5.59.1
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Aug 15, 2023
Last updated
Sep 8, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
- CWE-59 Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')
References
- advisoryGHSA advisory
- advisoryhttps://github.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/tree/main/cves/2023/40xxx/CVE-2023-40028.json
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-40028
- exploitExploitDB-52409
- articlehttps://github.com/TryGhost/Ghost/commit/690fbf3f7302ff3f77159c0795928bdd20f41205
FAQ
Common Questions.
Ghost is an open source content management system.
Affected: Ghost versions >= < 5.59.1. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Ghost 5.59.1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
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