Summary
CVE-2026-71264 is a missing authorization vulnerability (CWE-862) in WLED, the open-source ESP8266/ESP32 LED-control firmware. The GET /json/cfg endpoint exposes device configuration without a settings-PIN check, and the PIN unlock state is tracked in a global boolean rather than per session, so any successful unlock grants configuration-write access to all subsequent clients until reboot. It carries a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.2 (High).
Technical details
- Root cause: The
serveJson()handler inwled00/wled_server.cppprocesses configuration requests with no settings-PIN check, unlike the/editendpoint which explicitly validatescorrectPIN. - Secondary flaw: PIN unlock state is stored as a global boolean flag instead of per-session state, so once any client submits the correct PIN, the device stays unlocked for every client until it reboots.
- Trigger conditions: An unauthenticated request to GET
/json/cfgreturns device configuration; the persistent unlock state then extends write access to other clients. - Attack vector: Network, low complexity, no privileges and no user interaction required.
- Impact: Disclosure of device configuration and write access enabling firmware updates, WiFi reconfiguration, and factory resets.
Affected software
- WLED (vendor: Aircoookie) — all versions.
Severity
- CVSS v3.1 Base Score: 8.2 (High)
- Vector:
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:H/A:N
Mitigation and recommended actions
- Immediate: Monitor the WLED project for a fixed release and upgrade as soon as a patched firmware version is published.
- If no patch: Do not expose WLED devices directly to the internet. Place them on an isolated/segmented network (VLAN), restrict access to the web and JSON API with firewall rules or a reverse proxy requiring authentication, and reboot devices to clear any persisted unlock state.

