CVE-2026-39378: nbconvert has an Arbitrary File Read via Path Traversal in HTMLExporter Image Embedding

Published Apr 21, 2026
·
Updated

## Summary When `HTMLExporter.embed_images=True`, nbconvert's markdown renderer allows arbitrary file read via path traversal in image references. A malicious notebook can exfiltrate sensitive files from the conversion host by embedding them as base64 data URIs in the output HTML. ## Patches Upgrade to nbconvert 7.17.1 ## Workarounds Do not enable `HTMLExporter.embed_images` (it is not enabled by default).

Affected Software

3 affected componentsFixes available
pypi/nbconvert>=6.5<=7.17.0
pip/nbconvert>=6.5.0<7.17.1
7.17.1
jupyter Nbconvert Python>=6.5.0<7.17.1

Event History

Apr 21, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·12:17 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·12:17 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·01:16 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Advisory Published
via GitHub·05:18 PM
Data Sourced
via GitHub·05:18 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-39378?

CVE-2026-39378 has a high severity level due to the risk of arbitrary file read via path traversal.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-39378?

To fix CVE-2026-39378, upgrade to nbconvert version 7.17.1 or later.

3

Which versions of nbconvert are affected by CVE-2026-39378?

CVE-2026-39378 affects nbconvert versions from 6.5 to 7.17.0.

4

What is the impact of CVE-2026-39378 on users?

CVE-2026-39378 allows an attacker to read arbitrary files on the system, which can lead to sensitive data exposure.

5

Is CVE-2026-39378 fixed in the latest release?

Yes, CVE-2026-39378 is fixed in nbconvert version 7.17.1.

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