Unauthenticated resource amplification via unguarded backlink refresh
Published Aug 14, 2026 · Updated Aug 14, 2026
Missing authorization in SiYuan before 3.7.4 allows remote attackers to trigger persistent server-side writes through backlink refresh. The /api/ref/refreshBacklink route applies CheckAuth alone, accepts an attacker-controlled block ID, flushes transactions, scans references, and enqueues database updates without read-only or per-object checks. Anonymous access requires publish mode with authentication disabled; repeated requests amplify CPU, disk, and database work without exposing or directly corrupting stored content.
Summary
What happened
Missing authorization in SiYuan before 3.7.4 allows remote attackers to trigger persistent server-side writes through backlink refresh. The /api/ref/refreshBacklink route applies CheckAuth alone, accepts an attacker-controlled block ID, flushes transactions, scans references, and enqueues database updates without read-only or per-object checks. Anonymous access requires publish mode with authentication disabled; repeated requests amplify CPU, disk, and database work without exposing or directly corrupting stored content.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-72812
- Published
- Aug 14, 2026
- Updated
- Aug 14, 2026
- Vendor
- SiYuan Note
- Product
- SiYuan
- Classifications
- CWE-862, T1499.004
- Attack vector
- network
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Aug 14, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Aug 14, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=0 <3.7.4
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Public exploit references
- GHSA-wgwx-479j-23vq refreshBacklink requestproof of concept · demonstrated
Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.
Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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