Pterodactyl Panel Allows Cross-Node Server Configuration Disclosure via Remote API Missing Authorization

Note: This data is for reference and cybersecurity research purposes only.CyStack advises users not to use this information for unlawful purposes.

What is CVE-2026-26016?

CVE-2026-26016 is a vulnerability classified as Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key and Unverified Ownership, affecting panel (affected versions: < 1.12.1). This vulnerability is rated Critical, with a CVSS score of 9.2. Current sources do not report this vulnerability as exploited.

Overview

Original source data

Wings is the server control plane for Pterodactyl, a free, open-source game server management panel. Prior to version 1.12.1, a missing authorization check in multiple controllers allows any user with access to a node secret token to fetch information about any server on a Pterodactyl instance, even if that server is associated with a different node. This issue stems from missing logic to verify that the node requesting server data is the same node that the server is associated with. Any authenticated Wings node can retrieve server installation scripts (potentially containing secret values) and manipulate the installation status of servers belonging to other nodes. Wings nodes may also manipulate the transfer status of servers belonging to other nodes. This vulnerability requires a user to acquire a secret access token for a node. Unless a user gains access to a Wings secret access token they would not be able to access any of these vulnerable endpoints, as every endpoint requires a valid node access token. A single compromised Wings node daemon token (stored in plaintext at /etc/pterodactyl/config.yml) grants access to sensitive configuration data of every server on the panel, rather than only to servers that the node has access to. An attacker can use this information to move laterally through the system, send excessive notifications, destroy server data on other nodes, and otherwise exfiltrate secrets that they should not have access to with only a node token. Additionally, triggering a false transfer success causes the panel to delete the server from the source node, resulting in permanent data loss. Users should upgrade to version 1.12.1 to receive a fix.

Affected products and scope

The analysis could not be completed. The original vulnerability data remains available below.

Technical details

The analysis could not be completed. The original vulnerability data remains available below.

Exploitability

The analysis could not be completed. The original vulnerability data remains available below.

Technical impact

The analysis could not be completed. The original vulnerability data remains available below.

Business impact

The analysis could not be completed. The original vulnerability data remains available below.

Remediation

The analysis could not be completed. The original vulnerability data remains available below.

Detection

The analysis could not be completed. The original vulnerability data remains available below.
Sources (8)
Learn more

Run an in-depth assessment with complete web risk management

CyStack VulnScan continuously discovers assets, validates vulnerabilities, and helps security teams prioritize remediation across the organization.