7.5
High
com.github.jknack:handlebars

CVE-2026-55760

CVE-2026-55760 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability in com.github.jknack:handlebars (maven), affecting versions < 4.5.2. It is fixed in 4.5.2.

Key facts
CVSS score
7.5
High
Attack vector
Network
Issuing authority
GitHub Advisory Database
Affected package
com.github.jknack:handlebars
Fixed in
4.5.2
Disclosed
2026

Summary

Impact Any application that passes user-controlled input to Handlebars.compile() using a FileTemplateLoader (or ClassPathTemplateLoader) is vulnerable to arbitrary file read. This is a realistic attack surface for web applications that use template names from URL path parameters, request parameters, or other user-controlled sources. Patches com.github.jknack:handlebars:4.5.2 Workarounds Validate template name is derived from user input.

Impact

What is path traversal?

Input manipulates file paths to reach files outside the intended directory, such as configuration or credential files. Typical impact: unauthorized file read or write outside the intended directory.

Severity and exposure

CVE-2026-55760 has a CVSS score of 7.5 (High). The vector is network-reachable, no privileges required, and no user interaction. A CVSS score reflects the worst-case severity of the vulnerability, not your specific exposure. Whether this affects your application depends on whether the vulnerable code is present and reachable in your environment.

A fixed version is available (4.5.2). Upgrading removes the vulnerable code path.

Affected versions

maven

  • com.github.jknack:handlebars (< 4.5.2)

Security releases

  • com.github.jknack:handlebars → 4.5.2 (maven)
Kodem intelligence

Severity tells you how bad this could be in the worst case. It does not tell you whether you are exposed. Exploitability and impact are functions of runtime truth: whether the vulnerable code is present, reachable, and actually executes in your application. A vulnerable package can sit in your dependency tree and never run.

Kodem, an Intelligent Application Security platform, uses runtime intelligence to reveal which vulnerabilities actually execute in production, so teams prioritize the ones that genuinely matter instead of chasing every advisory.

Kodem's runtime-powered SCA identifies whether CVE-2026-55760 is reachable in your applications. Explore open-source security for your team.

See if CVE-2026-55760 is reachable in your applications. Get a demo

Remediation advice

Upgrade com.github.jknack:handlebars to 4.5.2 or later to resolve this vulnerability.

Kodem Kai can prioritize this vulnerability in your dependency tree and generate a fix recommendation.

Frequently asked questions about CVE-2026-55760

What is CVE-2026-55760?

CVE-2026-55760 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability in com.github.jknack:handlebars (maven), affecting versions < 4.5.2. It is fixed in 4.5.2. Input manipulates file paths to reach files outside the intended directory, such as configuration or credential files.

How severe is CVE-2026-55760?

CVE-2026-55760 has a CVSS score of 7.5 (High). This score reflects the worst-case severity of the vulnerability, not your specific exposure. Whether it represents real risk in your environment depends on whether the vulnerable code is present and reachable.

Which versions of com.github.jknack:handlebars are affected by CVE-2026-55760?

com.github.jknack:handlebars (maven) versions < 4.5.2 is affected.

Is there a fix for CVE-2026-55760?

Yes. CVE-2026-55760 is fixed in 4.5.2. Upgrade to this version or later.

Is CVE-2026-55760 exploitable, and should I be worried?

Whether CVE-2026-55760 is exploitable in your environment depends on whether the vulnerable code is present and reachable. A CVSS score is a worst-case rating; it does not account for your specific deployment, configuration, or usage patterns. Kodem, an Intelligent Application Security platform, uses runtime intelligence to show which vulnerabilities actually execute in production, so you can focus on the ones that represent real risk. Get a demo

What actually determines whether CVE-2026-55760 is exploitable, and how bad it is?

Exploitability and impact are not fixed properties of a CVE. They depend on runtime truth: whether the vulnerable code is present, reachable, and actually executes in your application. A high CVSS score on a dependency that never runs is not the same as real risk. Kodem, an Intelligent Application Security platform, uses runtime intelligence to reveal which vulnerabilities actually execute in production, so teams prioritize the ones that genuinely matter.

How do I fix CVE-2026-55760?

Upgrade com.github.jknack:handlebars to 4.5.2 or later.

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