---
id: "CVE-2026-118693"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-118693"]
title: "CherryTree: crafted documents can embed local files like SSH keys"
severity: "medium"
cvss: 5.6
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "other"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["cherrytree", "desktop-users", "other"]
not_affected_if: ["newer-version", "only-own-documents"]
published_at: "2026-10-28T22:17:13+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-28T22:35:34+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-28T22:37:03+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-118693", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-28T22:35:34+00:00"}]
---

# CherryTree: crafted documents can embed local files like SSH keys

CherryTree 1.7.2 and earlier trusts the filename attribute of embedded files in .ctd, .ctz and .ctx documents, including absolute and ~/ paths. A crafted document makes saving pull files such as ~/.ssh/id_rsa into the document, so the person who opens it can read those files.

_Summary, check and fix written by a model from the sources; labelled as such._

## How to check

- Check the installed CherryTree version against `1.7.2`; the sources say versions through 1.7.2 are affected.
- Treat any .ctd, .ctz or .ctx file from an untrusted source as suspect before opening or saving it.

## Timeline

- 2026-10-28T22:35:34+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-118693

## From the sources

CherryTree through 1.7.2 contains a path traversal vulnerability in CtStorageXmlHelper::_create_image_from_xml that trusts unvalidated embedded-file 'filename' attributes in XML documents. Attackers can craft a .ctd, .ctz, or .ctx document with an absolute or ~/ filename and no data, so saving embeds files like ~/.ssh/id_rsa into the document.

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_Free to read at a human pace. An API with keys and an MCP server are in preparation; early access: hello@infrastack.ai_